One day before their IPL 2025 season begins, Varun Chakravarthy has that opinion, but he is still aware that the success of the previous season is behind them. Even though the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have a new skipper and a new coaching staff, the reigning champions can still perform well like they did the previous season.
“We have a great squad and great batsmen too,” Varun stated the night before the tournament’s opening match in Kolkata. “We will look to defend [the title].” “This time, we have a fantastic international core thanks to the addition of Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson, Moeen Ali, and Roman Powell.
“As you can see, we had both significant wins and losses in some of our games last year. The IPL matches are all unique. You must treat it like a brand-new competition and begin anew, according to experts.
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The IPL 2024 player with the second-most wickets, Varun, stated that he would be very happy if he could defeat Virat Kohli in the tournament’s opening match. In seven innings thus far, Varun has bowled to Kohli, effectively restricting him with just 40 runs given up in 39 deliveries. However, Varun has only fired Kohli once. Varun claims to have done some research to rectify that, but it’s not just about Kohli.
“I’ve done just the same preparation I did last year,” Varun stated.
“I am really looking forward to facing Virat bhai. I would want to perform well against him because he has obviously batted well against me.
“You cannot consider it a simple opposition for anyone at this level. Every IPL team is on par with the others. Although RCB has a strong crew, we have done our research. I also completed my homework.
Varun claimed to have new weapons to unleash, but he did not disclose what new he had in store. But, as he has seen from his early IPL days with Kings XI Punjab, he believes that variations alone cannot lead to success; instead, the “sequencing of his deliveries” is more crucial.
“I aim to work something fresh every time I play domestic. “I try to bowl something new every year,” Varun remarked. “It didn’t work out in previous seasons, but it did last year. I obviously have a few surprises in store, but other circumstances will also play a role.
In essence, there are three possible directions for the ball to deviate: straight, left, or right. I’m working on the tactical aspect of the game, which is how I select those balls and how I sequence them.
“I am prepared to bowl whenever my captain requests it. I have also bowled in middle, death, and powerplay. This time, we have a new captain, and he has discussed with me how I might contribute most effectively. I’ve told him that as well.”
Resuming his bowling partnership with Sunil Narine also makes Varun very happy. They were kept before the auction because they combined to take 38 wickets the previous season.
Varun remarked, “I don’t have to compliment him,” “He is regarded as a game legend. One of the game’s greats. Last year, he was the MVP as well.
This year, we’ve spoken briefly, and he seems to be well-prepared. Like last year, he appears prepared to compete in the IPL. I can’t wait to watch him go this year as well. Whatever he does, I simply observe it and attempt to emulate it here.”
India
