AUS v IND 2025: Tim David Falls Victim 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 was sent to bat first on a challenging pitch favoring pacers but managed only 125 runs in 18.4 overs. Opener Abhishek Sharma led with 68 runs off 37 balls. Australia's Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets.
Australia's Chase
- Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head gave Australia a strong start, scoring 51 runs in 27 balls for the first wicket.
- Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Travis Head for 28 runs.
- Mitch Marsh made 46 off 26 balls before being dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav.
Mind Games Between Varun Chakravarthy and Tim David
When Tim David arrived at the crease, India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy engaged in psychological tactics to unsettle him. Tilak Varma was positioned at short-leg, and after David exchanged a smile with the fielder, he hesitated. Chakravarthy deliberately paused his run-up, increasing the pressure.
"Varun Chakravarthy of Team India outfoxed Australia's middle-order batter Tim David with his techniques."
David managed only one run before attempting to defend a ball that bounced sharply, leading to a simple catch by Varun.
Additional Highlights
- Varun Chakravarthy’s bowling and tactics played a key role in India’s competitive bowling effort despite the low total.
- The mental battle between Chakravarthy and David was a defining moment in the match’s outcome.
Author’s summary: Varun Chakravarthy’s strategic mind games and effective bowling were pivotal in Australia’s narrow win over India in the second T20I at MCG.