He has 33 scalps at 11.42 runs apiece since 2024.
India spinner Varun Chakravarthy has become the No.1 ranked T20I bowler in ICC player rankings. Since making a comeback into the Indian side last year, he has been their best performer in the bowling department, churning out consistent performances across conditions.
In this phase, Varun has been the leading wicket-taker in the format among full-member nations, with 33 scalps at 11.42 runs apiece in 14 outings, including two five-wicket hauls. He has been wicketless only once in this phase and proved his utility on various decks, home and away.
More importantly, he has been economical despite doing all the damage, as his economy rate of 7.25 in this period suggests. In the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, the spinner has again stifled batters with his immaculate consistency and range of variations.
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His figures in two games read: 1/4 & 1/24 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan, respectively. While he has not found as many wickets as he did leading up to the tournament, Varun has still bowled equally well and often been unlucky to show only two dismissals to his name.
Even if he has only two wickets as of now, Varun Chakravarthy has looked in good rhythm and showed his variations in both spells. So, wickets will surely come at some stage, especially when the tournament reaches the Super Four stage, where India have already qualified with one game to go.
Pitches have already favoured spinners excessively in the initial stage, and they will slow down more as the tournament rolls on and more matches are played. That’s when Varun’s chances of picking wickets and covering up for this unlucky phase increase, for he will become unplayable if the surfaces have turn and bite for slow bowlers.
Not that Varun can’t take wickets on better batting decks; he has already proved his worth on truest batting surfaces, but on helpful pitches, his value will naturally be higher. Kuldeep Yadav has already been doing the damage for now, allowing him to take the back seat, but the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowler can always run through sides on his day.
That Varun has become the No.1 T20I bowler doesn’t surprise, given spinners of his quality and craft are rarely out there. Then, his recent form has ensured the gap between him and others widens more than ever.
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