AUS v IND 2025: Tim David Succumbs to Varun Chakravarthy’s Mind Games
Australia won the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against India by 4 wickets on October 31, 2025.
Match Summary
India, batting first on a challenging pitch favoring pacers, scored 125 runs in 18.4 overs. Opener Abhishek Sharma led the innings with 68 runs off 37 balls. Josh Hazlewood was Australia's best bowler, claiming three wickets.
Australia’s Chase
Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head gave Australia a strong start, putting together 51 runs in 27 balls for the opening partnership. Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Travis Head for 28 runs. Mitch Marsh scored 46 off 26 balls before being taken out by Kuldeep Yadav.
The Battle Between Varun Chakravarthy and Tim David
Tim David came to the crease amidst psychological tactics deployed by India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. The pressure increased with Tilak Varma placed at short-leg, provoking David, who smiled but backed away. Chakravarthy also delayed his run-up to unsettle the batsman.
“Varun Chakaravarthy outfoxed Australia's middle-order batter Tim David with his techniques.”
David managed only one run before attempting to defend a ball that bounced more than expected, resulting in a simple return catch for Chakravarthy.
Key Moments
- India’s total: 125 runs in 18.4 overs
- Abhishek Sharma scored 68 off 37 balls
- Hazlewood took 3 wickets for Australia
- Marsh and Head’s opening partnership added 51 runs
- David dismissed by Chakravarthy after mind games
“Varun Chakaravarthy v Tim David were playing some serious mind games.”
Author’s summary: Varun Chakravarthy’s strategic mind games played a crucial role in limiting Australia’s middle order and helping India restrict their opponents on a tricky pitch.
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