IPL 2022: Varun Chakravarthy working on a new variation to overcome his lean patch for KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy is hoping to add a "new dimension" to his game once his new variation starts "clicking" in IPL 2022, and he is banking on the delivery to put him back on top on the wicket-takers' list soon. If things go according to plan, the 30-year-old mystery spinner would have added an eighth variation to his repertoire. After enjoying a breakthrough IPL season in 2020 with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he picked 17 wickets in 13 games, Chakravarthy became a part of India's T20I series against England in March last year only to be ruled out on fitness grounds.

Later, he made his international debut against Sri Lanka in July. He finished the IPL 2021 season with 18 wickets and was rewarded with a place in India's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the UAE last year but hasn't enjoyed similar highs this season after picking only four wickets in six matches and registering figures of none for 45 in three overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Brabourne Stadium on April 15. However, Chakravarthy is keen to bounce back, and that could happen as early as KKR's match against Rajasthan Royals on March 18 at the Brabourne Stadium.

"I am working on a leg-spin (variation). I have been working on it in the last two years. I have bowled it in a few matches, and I have got a wicket out of that also.

If it starts clicking well, it will definitely add a new dimension to my game. I need to build more confidence and start bowling it more," said Chakravarthy. Chakravarthy said that it's natural to get hit in a tournament like the IPL as rival teams keep experimenting and planning for specific bowlers.

"In cricket, you're bound to get hit," he said. "It is bound to happen. People