AUS v IND 2025: Tim David Falls Victim to Varun Chakravarthy’s Mind Games
Australia won the second T20 International against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by 4 wickets on October 31, 2025.
India's First Innings Highlights
India, batting first on a challenging pitch favoring pacers, managed 125 runs in 18.4 overs. Opener Abhishek Sharma led the charge with 68 runs off 37 balls. Australia's Josh Hazlewood was impressive with the ball, taking three wickets.
Australia’s Chase
- Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head gave Australia a strong start, putting on 51 runs for the first wicket in 27 balls.
- Travis Head scored 28 before being dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy.
- Mitch Marsh scored 46 runs off 26 balls but was eventually out to Kuldeep Yadav.
- Tim David came to the crease following Marsh’s dismissal.
Mind Games Between Varun Chakravarthy and Tim David
India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy engaged in psychological tactics against Tim David. Tilak Varma was placed at short-leg, prompting a smile from David. The Australian batter backed away once as Chakravarthy paused his run-up, increasing the pressure.
Varun Chakravarthy of Team India outfoxed Australia's middle-order batter Tim David with his techniques during the second T20I between the two teams on Friday, October 31, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
David managed just one run off Varun before attempting to defend a delivery that bounced sharply, leading to a simple return catch and his dismissal.
Varun Chakaravarthy v Tim David were playing some serious mind games ???? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.
Australia ultimately won the match by 4 wickets, overcoming the reserved total set by India.
Author’s Summary: Varun Chakravarthy’s clever bowling and psychological tactics helped India unsettle Australia’s Tim David, but Australia secured a narrow win at the MCG.