India, March 7 -- Suryakumar Yadav backed out-of-form spinner Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of India's T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Chakaravarthy was exposed during the semifinal victory against England, returning with figures of 1/64 in four overs. Jacob Bethell smacked him for 41 off 13 balls.

He was in good form in the group stage, taking 12 wickets in four matches. But in the Super 8s, he lost his form, and his economy rate increased to 10.16. Despite his poor form, he is still the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 13 wickets from eight matches, at an economy rate of 8.86.

Ahead of the final, there has been speculation that Kuldeep Yadav might replace Varun in the playing XI in Ahmedab...