Following their instrumental role in securing India`s ninth Asia Cup title in Dubai, star spin bowlers Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav have extended special recognition to team analyst Hari Prasad Mohan. They emphasized his diligent behind-the-scenes contributions as fundamental to their success.
In the final against Pakistan on Dubai`s slow-paced pitch, India`s formidable spin trio – Axar Patel (2-26), Varun (2-30), and Kuldeep (4-30) – were devastating. Together, they claimed eight crucial wickets, dismantling Pakistan`s innings for a mere 146 runs. India comfortably chased the target, securing a five-wicket victory thanks to Tilak Varma`s unbeaten 69, supported by Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube.
Varun Chakravarthy initiated the breakthrough by ending Pakistan`s threatening 84-run opening partnership, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for 57 off 38 balls. Axar Patel maintained the pressure in the middle overs, while Kuldeep Yadav effectively broke Pakistan`s batting core by neutralizing their key power-hitters. Kuldeep later revealed that before the match, Hari Prasad Mohan had provided precise insights, including screenshots highlighting optimal bowling lengths against the Pakistani batters.
“Before the game, he (Hari) just sent the screenshot of the lengths where you are going to bowl to the batters,” Kuldeep stated after India’s flawless, unbeaten triumph in the tournament. Varun echoed this sentiment, adding, “I would like to mention Hari (team analyst). He is a guy who has done a lot of work behind the scenes. And due credit to him also.”
Despite Pakistan`s early dominance with Farhan and Fakhar Zaman initially putting India under pressure, Varun’s “mystery spin” turned the tide. This opening allowed India to make significant inroads, collapsing Pakistan from 113/2 to 146 all out. Varun also reflected on the fond memories of bowling alongside Kuldeep, reminiscing about their time together playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
“I feel great. Definitely, at that time, I was going for the wickets, and Fakhar and Farhan were going well. And yes, I had done some plans, and it worked out in the way. But Kuldeep came and finished, yeah. It gave me memories of KKR when we were playing together. And he`s always a star,” Varun remarked, clearly admiring his fellow spinner.
Kuldeep Yadav`s exceptional form was a cornerstone of India`s undefeated run, as he finished as the tournament`s leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps at an impressive average of 9.29. Varun Chakravarthy also made significant contributions, securing seven wickets at an average of 20.42. Varun affirmed his high regard for Kuldeep, stating, “He`s one of the best spinners, yeah. Yes, if you see the trend in the last few matches, the first 10 overs, everyone is going berserk. And they don`t lose wickets. So, after that, we knew that if we bowl on the right space and right line of play, we can curtail them down.”
