AUS v IND 2025: Tim David Outwitted by Varun Chakaravarthy’s Tactics
Australia secured a 4-wicket victory over India in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 31, 2025.
Match Overview
India, batting first on a pitch favoring pacers, posted 125 runs in 18.4 overs. Opening batsman Abhishek Sharma led with a strong 68 off 37 balls. Australia's Josh Hazlewood excelled with the ball, taking three wickets.
Australia's Chase
Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head gave Australia a brisk start, adding 51 runs in 27 balls for the first wicket. Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Head for 28. Marsh scored 46 from 26 balls before Kuldeep Yadav took his wicket.
Varun Chakaravarthy's Mind Games
When Tim David came to the crease, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy employed psychological tactics. Positioning Tilak Varma at short-leg unnerved David, who smiled but then backed away.
Chakravarthy delayed his run-up, increasing the pressure. David scored only one run before attempting to defend a rising delivery, which resulted in a simple catch for Varun.
Varun Chakaravarthy v Tim David were playing some serious mind games ???? #AUSvIND pic.twitter
David’s dismissal highlighted the effectiveness of Chakravarthy’s strategies in disrupting the Australian middle order.
Key Performances
- Abhishek Sharma (IND): 68 runs off 37 balls
- Josh Hazlewood (AUS): 3 wickets
- Mitchell Marsh (AUS): 46 runs off 26 balls
- Travis Head (AUS): 28 runs
Author’s summary: Varun Chakaravarthy’s clever tactics and psychological ploys played a crucial role in restricting Australia’s middle order during India's defeat in the second T20I at Melbourne.