India spinner Varun Chakravarthy believes his preparation for the T20 World Cup is focused on backing his lengths, staying confident, and continuously pushing himself psychologically even in games that seem simple.
In 32 Twenty20 Internationals, the 34-year-old has taken 51 wickets, including six in the opening three of the current five-match series against South Africa. In the T20 World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, Chakravarthy is essential to India’s championship defense.
“It is very important to keep putting pressure on yourself to get ready for the World Cup,” the Karnataka-born spinner said on ‘Follow The Blues’ on Jiohotstar.
“You have to challenge yourself even when there is no challenge. If a match feels easy, you have to create that pressure mentally and start challenging yourself.
“Confidence, bowling the right lengths, and understanding the opposition are key. That is one major factor I want to take into the World Cup. With a better understanding of the opposition, I think I can do well.”
According to Chakravarthy, the secret to his recent success on the global stage has been to adhere to the fundamentals and have faith in his skill set.
“My plan is simple, stick to the basics and bowl my length. Sometimes it works, and thankfully in the last three matches, it has worked well. I will try the same in the next match,” he said.
The fifth and final Twenty20 International between South Africa and India is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on Friday.
“When you are not confident, your mindset affects your skill. The key is to stay confident and back your skills. That is when you execute well, without much change. That is the secret to being consistent.
“At this level, you must be consistent, playing at the highest level is important to know where you stand,” Chakravarthy said.
“In my first match at the international level, I struggled a bit initially and that’s when I understood a few things. I went back to practice and made corrections. So, it is very important to keep playing at the highest level.”
