Varun Chakaravarthy eyes world record in 5th T20I against England
What's the story
Indian mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is on the cusp of breaking a major cricketing record.
The 33-year-old Tamil Nadu spinner has been instrumental for India in the ongoing five-match T20I series against England.
With 12 wickets in his kitty, Chakaravarthy stands as India's leading wicket-taker in the series.
He will be pivotal in the fifth T20I at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Consistent performance
Chakaravarthy's performance in the T20I series
Chakaravarthy has been on fire in the T20I series, having picked 3, 2, 5, and 2 wickets in the four games in Kolkata, Chennai, Rajkot, and Pune respectively.
His phenomenal form has been key to troubling England's batting order.
The Wankhede Stadium match will give him a chance to extend his streak and perhaps even create a record.
Record pursuit
Chakaravarthy's record-breaking opportunity
The series' final match could see Chakaravarthy etching his name in history.
If he takes at least four wickets, he will break the existing world record for most wickets in a bilateral T20I series.
The record is currently held by West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, who recorded 15 wickets against England back during a five-match T20I series in 2022.
Past records
Chakaravarthy's previous records and achievements
Chakaravarthy already has the record for most wickets by an Indian in a bilateral T20I series.
He is also the only Indian to have taken at least 10 wickets in a bilateral T20I series.
Even if he takes just one wicket in today's match, he will break his own record from the India-South Africa four-match T20I series in November 2024, where he took 12 wickets.