Varun Chakravarthy is living proof that cricket does not always reward the earliest starters, but it almost always rewards perseverance. A classic late bloomer, Chakravarthy’s journey to the top has been anything but conventional. From abandoning cricket to pursue architecture, to reinventing himself as one of India’s most mysterious spinners, Chakravarthy’s journey is inspiring for one and all.  

In an era dominated by young prodigies, the master spinner arrived late to the big stage, but when he did, he arrived with mystery, variations, and an unorthodox skill set that baffled batters across formats. Much like players from David Hussey’s school of late bloomers, Chakravarthy’s success has been shaped by patience rather than brilliance.

Varun Chakravarthy’s Biography and Early Career

Born on 29 August 1991 in Bidar, Karnataka, and later representing Tamil Nadu, Varun Chakravarthy’s early cricketing life was far removed from the spinner he would eventually become. In age-group cricket, Chakravarthy was a wicketkeeper-batsman, but his initial attempts to make a career in cricket hit a dead end. With limited opportunities and fading prospects, he made the difficult decision to step away from the game.

Cricket gave way to pursue a career as an architect, but the profession failed to ignite his passion. The pull of cricket remained strong, and in 2018, at an age when most players are already established, Chakravarthy made the bold decision to return to the sport, this time reinventing himself as a mystery spinner.

That decision changed his life!

Varun Chakravarthy’s Domestic Career

Varun Chakravarthy made his Ranji Trophy debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2018–19 season at the age of 27. Despite being new to professional cricket, he immediately stood out, impressing with a wide range of variations, reportedly seven different deliveries, that left batters guessing.

His 2018–19 domestic season was nothing short of sensational. Chakravarthy’s ability to bowl carrom balls, sliders, off-breaks, and leg-breaks with a similar action made him a nightmare to read. His performances quickly caught the attention of IPL scouts, and he was soon thrust into the spotlight.

Varun Chakravarthy’s IPL Career

Varun Chakravarthy’s life changed at the IPL 2019 auction when Kings XI Punjab (now known as Punjab Kings) snapped him up for a staggering INR 8.5 crore, 42 times his base price of INR 20 lakh. It was a meteoric rise for a player who had only recently returned to competitive cricket.

However, the IPL debut proved to be a harsh reality check. Chakravarthy made his first appearance against Kolkata Knight Riders on 27 March 2019 but endured a tough outing, conceding heavily to Sunil Narine in his very first over.

His first over went for 25 runs, the highest number of runs conceded by a bowler on debut in the IPL. To make matters worse, a finger fracture ruled him out of the remainder of the season, halting his momentum completely.

Yet, as fate would have it, adversity paved the way for redemption. Ahead of IPL 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showed faith in the mystery spinner, acquiring him for INR 4 crore. Paired with Sunil Narine, ironically the same man who had dismantled him on debut, Chakravarthy found the perfect environment to grow.

KKR backed him heavily, often picking him ahead of established spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Varun repaid that trust handsomely, finishing the season with 17 wickets, including a memorable five-wicket haul against Delhi Capitals. His control, adaptability, and calm under pressure made him a core member of the KKR setup.

Varun Chakravarthy’s T20I Career

Varun Chakravarthy’s IPL success earned him his maiden India call-up for the T20I series against Australia in 2020–21. Unfortunately, an injury forced him to miss the tour. A recall for the home T20Is against England in early 2021 followed, but once again, fitness issues denied him a chance to debut.

Finally, Varun Chakravarthy made his T20I debut for India against Sri Lanka on July 25, 2021, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Later, Chakravarthy was named in India’s squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup. 

Expectations were high, but the tournament proved underwhelming. The mystery spinner went wicketless in the three matches he played, including an unforgettable outing against Pakistan, which India lost by 10 wickets. In this game, Chakravarthy conceded runs at an economy of 8.25. 

The disappointment pushed him out of international reckoning, leading to a prolonged absence from the national side.

Varun Chakravarthy’s Resurgence in 2024–2025

Varun Chakravarthy’s career took a decisive turn in 2024. He enjoyed a stellar IPL season, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets at a staggering strike rate of 14.28 and an economy rate of 8.04. His performances showcased not just mystery, but maturity, smarter spells, better control, and greater tactical awareness.

He carried that form into the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he picked up 18 wickets in just six matches for Tamil Nadu, finishing second on the wicket-takers’ list, only behind Arshdeep Singh.

After nearly three years away from international cricket, Chakravarthy made his comeback in October 2024, taking 3/31 in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior. The following month, he claimed his maiden T20I five-wicket haul, dismantling South Africa with figures of 5/17 in Gqeberha.

In 2025, Chakravarthy produced his finest international performance during the five-match T20I series against England. He emerged as the Player of the Series after taking 14 wickets, including another five-for, 5/24, cementing his place as a frontline spinner in India’s T20 setup.

Varun Chakravarthy’s ODI Career

Varun Chakravarthy’s revival extended into the ODI format. He made his ODI debut on February 9, 2025, against England in Cuttack at the age of 33 years and 164 days, becoming India’s second-oldest ODI debutant after Farokh Engineer.

Soon after, he was named in India’s 15-member squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. In just his second ODI, Chakravarthy produced a match-winning spell of 5/42 against New Zealand in the group stage. He followed it up with two wickets each in the semifinal against Australia and the final against New Zealand.

Varun finished the tournament as the joint second-highest wicket-taker, with nine wickets in just three matches at an outstanding average of 15.11, playing a pivotal role in India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign.

(As of February 2026)