AUS v IND 2025: Tim David Falls Victim to Varun Chakaravarthy’s Mind Games
Australia won the second T20I against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by 4 wickets on October 31, 2025.
Match Overview
India, batting first on a challenging pitch favoring pacers, scored 125 runs in 18.4 overs. Opener Abhishek Sharma top-scored with 68 runs off 37 balls. Australia's Josh Hazlewood was the leading bowler, taking three wickets.
In reply, Australia’s opening pair, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, gave a strong start with 51 runs in 27 balls. Head scored 28 before being dismissed by Varun Chakaravarthy. Marsh contributed 46 off 26 balls but was then out to Kuldeep Yadav.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s Mind Games with Tim David
When Tim David came to the crease, a strategic psychological battle unfolded between him and Varun Chakaravarthy, supported by India captain Suryakumar Yadav.
- Tilak Varma was placed at short-leg, prompting David to smile at the fielder.
- David backed away cautiously while Chakaravarthy paused his run-up to increase pressure.
- David managed only one run off Varun before attempting to defend a ball that bounced more than expected.
- This resulted in a simple catch for Varun, dismissing David.
"Varun Chakaravarthy v Tim David were playing some serious mind games ???? #AUSvIND"
Author's Summary
Varun Chakaravarthy’s tactical bowling and psychological strategies played a key role in India's competitiveness despite a tough pitch and strong Australian batting.