Australia secured a four-wicket victory over India in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on October 31, 2025. The match featured moments of tactical brilliance, particularly from Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who outsmarted Australian batter Tim David.
India, after being invited to bat first on a challenging pitch favoring pacers, posted 125 runs in 18.4 overs. Opener Abhishek Sharma led the effort with 68 runs off 37 deliveries. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the Australian bowling attack, claiming three wickets.
Openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head gave Australia a commanding start with a 51-run partnership in 27 balls. Head scored 28 before being dismissed by Chakaravarthy, while Marsh contributed 46 off 26 before departing to Kuldeep Yadav.
Following Marsh’s dismissal, Tim David arrived at the crease. India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy set up a psychological contest. Tilak Varma was moved to short leg, drawing a smile from David as tension filled the ground. David stepped away once, coinciding with Varun halting his run-up.
“He managed just one run off Varun but two balls later, a slightly bouncing delivery led to a simple return catch.”
The Indian bowler’s patient setup and mental tactics led to David’s downfall, showcasing the art of deceptive spin under pressure.
Author’s summary: In a tense T20 clash at MCG, Varun Chakaravarthy’s clever spin and mind games with Tim David became a defining moment in India’s spirited defense.