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{{short description|Indian cricketer}}
{{short description|Indian cricketer (born 1991)}}
{{use Indian English|date=April 2020}}
{{use Indian English|date=December 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Indian name|Varun |Chakravarthy Vinod}}
{{Infobox cricketer
{{Infobox cricketer
|                name = Varun Chakravarthy
|                name = Varun Chakravarthy
|              image =
|            caption =Varun  during match press conference in 2025
|            country = India
|            country = India
|            fullname = Varun Chakravarthy Vinod  
|            fullname = Varun Chakaravarthy Vinod
|          birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|8|29|df=yes}}
|          birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|8|29|df=yes}}
|        birth_place = [[Bidar]], [[Karnataka]], India
|        birth_place = [[Bidar]], [[Karnataka]], India
Line 11: Line 14:
|        death_place =  
|        death_place =  
|            batting = Right-handed
|            batting = Right-handed
|            bowling = [[Leg spin|Leg break]]
|            bowling = Right-arm [[leg break]] [[googly]]
|                role = Bowler
|                role = [[Bowler (cricket)|Bowler]]


|      international =  
 
|      international = true
|  internationalspan = 2021–present


|            onetest =  
|            onetest =  
Line 23: Line 28:
|        lasttestdate =  
|        lasttestdate =  
|        lasttestyear =  
|        lasttestyear =  
|    lasttestagainst =  
|    lasttestagainst =


|             oneodi =
|            
|        odidebutdate =  
|        odidebutdate = 9 February
|        odidebutyear =  
|        odidebutyear = 2025
|    odidebutagainst =  
|    odidebutagainst = England
|              odicap =  
|              odicap = 259
|        lastodidate =  
|        lastodidate = 9 March
|        lastodiyear =  
|        lastodiyear = 2025
|      lastodiagainst =  
|      lastodiagainst = New Zealand
|            odishirt = 29


|            oneT20I =
|      T20Idebutdate = 25 July
|      T20Idebutdate =  
|      T20Idebutyear = 2021
|      T20Idebutyear =  
|    T20Idebutagainst = Sri Lanka
|    T20Idebutagainst =  
|            T20Icap = 87
|            T20Icap =  
|        lastT20Idate = 8 March
|        lastT20Idate =  
|        lastT20Iyear = 2026
|        lastT20Iyear =  
|    lastT20Iagainst = New Zealand
|    lastT20Iagainst =  
|          T20Ishirt = 29
 
|              club1 = [[Tamil Nadu Premier League#Teams|Tirupur Tamizhans]]
|              club1 = [[Tamil Nadu cricket team|Tamil Nadu]]
|              year1 = 2017
|              year1 = 2018–present
|              club2 = [[Tamil Nadu Premier League#Teams|Madurai Panthers]]
|              club2 = [[Kings XI Punjab]]
|              year2 = 2018
|              year2 = 2019
|              club3 = [[Tamil Nadu cricket team|Tamil Nadu]]
|              club3 = [[Kolkata Knight Riders]]
|              year3 = 2018–present
|              year3 = 2020–2021
|              club5 = [[Tamil Nadu Premier League#Teams|Dindigul Dragons]]
| columns = 3
|              year5 = 2022–present
| column1 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
| columns = 4
| column2 = [[List A cricket|LA]]
| column1 = [[One Day International|ODI]]
| column3 = [[Twenty20|T20]]
| column2 = [[Twenty20 International|T20I]]
| matches1 = 1
| column3 = [[List A cricket|LA]]
| matches2 = 9
| column4 = [[Twenty20|T20]]
| matches3 = 14
| matches1 = 4
| matches2 = 45
| matches3 = 29
| matches4 = 150
| runs1 = –
| runs1 = –
| runs2 = 60
| runs2 = 3
| runs3 = 10
| runs3 = 121
| runs4 = 102
| bat avg1 = –
| bat avg1 = –
| bat avg2 = 20.00
| bat avg2 = 0.75
| bat avg3 = 5.00
| bat avg3 = 11.00
| bat avg4 = 6.37
| 100s/50s1 = –
| 100s/50s1 = –
| 100s/50s2 = 0/0
| 100s/50s2 = 0/0
| 100s/50s3 = 0/0
| 100s/50s3 = 0/0
| 100s/50s4 = 0/0
| top score1 = –
| top score1 = –
| top score2 = 32
| top score2 = 1[[not out|*]]
| top score3 = 7[[not out|*]]
| top score3 = 32
| deliveries1 = 234
| top score4 = 24
| deliveries2 = 520
| deliveries1 = 240
| deliveries3 = 330
| deliveries2 = 963
| wickets1 = 1
| deliveries3 = 1,515
| wickets2 = 22
| deliveries4 = 3,319
| wickets3 = 18
| wickets1 = 10
| bowl avg1 = 105.00
| wickets2 = 73
| bowl avg2 = 16.68
| wickets3 = 75
| bowl avg3 = 21.72
| wickets4 = 197
| fivefor1 = 0
| bowl avg1 = 19.00
| fivefor2 = 1
| bowl avg2 = 16.61
| fivefor3 = 1
| bowl avg3 = 14.29
| bowl avg4 = 21.26
| fivefor1 = 1
| fivefor2 = 2
| fivefor3 = 5
| fivefor4 = 3
| tenfor1 = 0
| tenfor1 = 0
| tenfor2 = 0
| tenfor2 = 0
| tenfor3 = 0
| tenfor3 = 0
| best bowling1 = 1/105
| tenfor4 = 0
| best bowling2 = 5/38
| best bowling1 = 5/42
| best bowling3 = 5/20
| best bowling2 = 5/17
| best bowling3 = 5/9
| best bowling4 = 5/17
| catches/stumpings1 = 0/–
| catches/stumpings1 = 0/–
| catches/stumpings2 = 2/–
| catches/stumpings2 = 9/–
| catches/stumpings3 = 3/–
| catches/stumpings3 = 8/–
| catches/stumpings4 = 28/–
| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/1108375.html ESPNcricinfo
| date = 8 March 2026
|medaltemplates=<!--MENTION HOST NATIONS FOR TEAM SPORTS-->
{{MedalSport|Men's [[cricket]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{IND}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Men's T20 World Cup|ICC T20 World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup|2026 India & Sri Lanka]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[ICC Champions Trophy]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2025 ICC Champions Trophy|2025 Pakistan]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[ACC Asia Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2025 Asia Cup|2025 UAE]]}}
|club4=[[Kolkata Knight Riders]]|year4=2020–present}}
'''Varun Chakravarthy Vinod''' (born 29 August 1991) is an Indian international [[cricketer]] who plays for the [[India national cricket team|India national team]] as a right-arm [[leg spin]] bowler. He represents [[Tamil Nadu cricket team|Tamil Nadu]] in domestic cricket, and plays for [[Kolkata Knight Riders]] in the [[Indian Premier League]] and [[Dindigul Dragons]] in the [[Tamil Nadu Premier League]]. He was a member of the Indian team that won the [[2026 Men's T20 World Cup|2026 T20 World Cup]], [[2025 ICC Champions Trophy|2025 Champions Trophy]] and the [[2025 Asia Cup]]. In December 2025, he became the highest rated Indian bowler ever in the [[ICC Men's Player Rankings|ICC rankings]] for [[Twenty20 International]]s with 818 points.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/sports/cricket/news/varun-chakaravarthy-becomes-highest-rated-indian-t20i-bowler-of-all-time-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-remain-1-and-2-in-odi-rankings-136693879.html|title=Varun Chakaravarthy becomes highest-rated Indian T20I bowler of all-time|work=[[Dainik Bhaskar]]|date=17 December 2025|access-date=21 December 2025}}</ref>


| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/1108375.html Cricinfo
==Early life==
| date = 10 June 2021
Varun Chakravarthy Vinod was born on 29 August 1991 in [[Bidar]], [[Karnataka]], to Vinod Chakravarthy, an [[Indian Telecommunication Service|ITS]] officer working for [[BSNL]], and Malini. His father is of half-[[Tamils|Tamil]] and half-[[Malayali]] descent, while his mother is a [[Kannadiga]].<ref name="Bio">{{Cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/1108375.html |title=Varun Chakravarthy |access-date=20 September 2018 |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |archive-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813005706/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/1108375.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Nair">{{cite news |last1=Nair |first1=Aneesh |title=Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and his Kerala connection |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/cricket/2020/10/28/ipl-2020-varun-chakravarthy-kkr-myster-spinner-kerala-connection.html |access-date=3 March 2025 |work=[[Malayala Manorama|Manorama]] |date=10 December 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Basu Shanker {{!}} Varun Chakravarthy {{!}} Mystery Spinner {{!}} Cricket {{!}} Interview {{!}} Time Out with Basu {{!}} E15 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq9gyVkl2qg |time=2:20 and 2:46 |time-caption=Event occurs between|access-date=3 March 2025 |date=17 September 2022 |via=[[YouTube]] |archive-date=3 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303215923/https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=g0u4_8egMCigRUt5&v=uq9gyVkl2qg |url-status=live }}</ref> He was brought up in [[Adyar, Chennai]].<ref name="Nair"/>
}}
 
'''Varun Chakravarthy''' (born 29 August 1991) is an Indian [[cricket]]er who plays for [[Tamil Nadu cricket team|Tamil Nadu]] in domestic cricket and [[Kolkata Knight Riders]] in the [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL) as a [[leg spin]] bowler.<ref name="Bio">{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/1108375.html |title=Varun Chakravarthy |access-date=20 September 2018 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25564543/varun-chakravarthy |title=Decoding the mystery: Who is Varun Chakravarthy? |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=18 December 2018|date=18 December 2018 }}</ref>
Varun did his schooling at [[List of Kendriya Vidyalayas|Kendriya Vidyalaya CLRI]] and [[St. Patrick's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School|St. Patrick's School]] in Chennai. He initially played [[cricket]] as a [[wicket-keeper]] but quit the sport to focus on academics. He obtained a [[Bachelor of Architecture|bachelor's degree]] in architecture from [[SRM Institute of Science and Technology|SRM University]]. At the age of 25, he gave up his architect career to pursue cricket professionally.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dani |first1=Bipin |title=Varun Chakravarthy is spinning reality out of dreams |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/in-other-news/301020/varun-chakravarthy-is-spinning-reality-out-of-dreams.html |access-date=24 October 2021 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=30 October 2020 |archive-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024163836/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/in-other-news/301020/varun-chakravarthy-is-spinning-reality-out-of-dreams.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title='Wasn't expecting it': Architect-turned-cricketer Varun Chakravarthy after being awarded India call-up|url=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wasnt-expecting-it-architect-turned-cricketer-varun-chakravarthy-after-being-awarded-india-call-up-338245|access-date=29 October 2020|work=[[WION]]|date=27 October 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031113911/https://www.wionews.com/sports/wasnt-expecting-it-architect-turned-cricketer-varun-chakravarthy-after-being-awarded-india-call-up-338245|url-status=live}}</ref> While starting out as a [[pace bowler]], he turned to [[spin bowling]] after a knee injury in early 2017 that kept him out of action for six months.<ref>{{cite web |last1=PR |first1=Srinidhi |title=Varun Chakaravarthy: From fourth-division player to IPL's million-dollar baby |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2018/Dec/18/i-was-hoping-to-get-a-rs-20-lakh-bid-says-varun-chakravarthy-after-bagging-rs-84-crore-deal-1913265.html |access-date=3 March 2025 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=18 December 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Menon |first1=Vishal |title=IPL 2019 Auction: Stock jumps for unknown commodity Varun Chakravarthy |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/varun-chakravarthy-stock-jumps-for-unknown-commodity-5499554 |access-date=3 March 2025 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=19 December 2018 |archive-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219124638/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/varun-chakravarthy-stock-jumps-for-unknown-commodity-5499554/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==Domestic career==
Varun came into the limelight during the [[2018 Tamil Nadu Premier League|2018 season]] of the [[Tamil Nadu Premier League]] (TNPL), where his nine [[wicket (cricket)|wickets]] at an [[economy rate]] of 4.70 helped [[Madurai Panthers]] win their maiden TNPL title.<ref>{{cite web|last1=RS |first1=Prasad |title=Spinner Varun hopes to be architect of Tamil Nadu's success |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/spinner-varun-hopes-to-be-architect-of-tamil-nadus-success/articleshow/65780085.cms |access-date=11 March 2025 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=12 September 2018}}</ref> He made his [[List A cricket|List A]] debut for [[Tamil Nadu cricket team|Tamil Nadu]] in the [[2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy|2018-19 season]] of the [[Vijay Hazare Trophy]] on 20 September 2018.<ref name="LA">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1156804.html |title=Elite, Group C, Vijay Hazare Trophy at Chennai, Sep 20 2018 |access-date=20 September 2018 |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]}}</ref> He was the leading wicket-taker for Tamil Nadu in the tournament, with 22 dismissals in nine matches.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=12591;team=2184;type=tournament |title=Vijay Hazare Trophy, 2016/17 - Tamil Nadu: Batting and bowling averages |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=11 October 2018 |archive-date=11 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011172930/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=12591;team=2184;type=tournament |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his [[first-class cricket|first-class]] debut for Tamil Nadu in the [[2018–19 Ranji Trophy|2018-19 edition]] of the [[Ranji Trophy]] on 12 November 2018.<ref name="FC">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1156962.html |title=Elite, Group B, Ranji Trophy at Tirunelveli, Nov 12-15 2018 |access-date=12 November 2018 |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]}}</ref>
 
In December 2018, Varun was bought by the [[Kings XI Punjab]] in the [[List of 2019 Indian Premier League personnel changes|player auction]] for the [[2019 Indian Premier League|2019 season]] of the [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL) at the price of {{INRconvert|84|m}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25390461/ipl-2019-auction-was-sold-whom |title=IPL 2019 auction: The list of sold and unsold players |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=18 December 2018 |date=18 December 2018 |archive-date=18 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218224600/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25390461/ipl-2019-auction-was-sold-whom |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ipl-auction-2019-who-got-whom/articleshow/67144375.cms |title=IPL 2019 Auction: Who got whom |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=18 December 2018 |archive-date=18 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218230123/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ipl-auction-2019-who-got-whom/articleshow/67144375.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his [[Twenty20]] debut for the team on 27 March 2019 in a match against [[Kolkata Knight Riders]].<ref name="T20">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1175361.html |title=6th Match (N), Indian Premier League at Kolkata, Mar 27 2019 |access-date=27 March 2019 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> His first [[over (cricket)|over]] went for 25 runs, the highest number of runs conceded by a bowler on debut in the IPL.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/26372196/sunil-narine-makes-first-forget-varun-chakravarthy |title=Sunil Narine makes it a first over to forget for Varun Chakravarthy |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=27 March 2019 |date=27 March 2019 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327185353/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/26372196/sunil-narine-makes-first-forget-varun-chakravarthy |url-status=live }}</ref> He played just the one match in the season,<ref name="Bio"/> and was released by the Kings XI Punjab ahead of the [[List of 2020 Indian Premier League personnel changes|2020 IPL auction]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28087425/where-do-eight-franchises-stand-2020-auction |title=Where do the eight franchises stand before the 2020 auction? |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=15 November 2019 |date=15 November 2019 |archive-date=15 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115172858/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28087425/where-do-eight-franchises-stand-2020-auction |url-status=live }}</ref> In the auction ahead of the [[2020 Indian Premier League|2020 IPL season]], he was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for {{INRconvert|40|m}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25564543/varun-chakravarthy |title=Decoding the mystery: Who is Varun Chakravarthy? |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=8 January 2018 |date=8 January 2018 |archive-date=18 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218141255/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25564543/varun-chakravarthy |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28338426/ipl-auction-analysis-do-eight-teams-their-best-xis-place? |title=IPL auction analysis: Do the eight teams have their best XIs in place? |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=20 December 2019 |access-date=20 December 2019 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221164345/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28338426/ipl-auction-analysis-do-eight-teams-their-best-xis-place |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 October 2020, he took his first [[five-wicket haul]] in the IPL, with figures of 5 wickets for 20 runs, against the [[Delhi Capitals]].<ref>{{cite news |url= https://scroll.in/field/976664/watch-kkrs-varun-chakravarthy-takes-first-five-wicket-haul-of-ipl-2020|title= Varun Chakravarthy took his first five-wicket haul|access-date= 24 October 2020|work=Scroll.in|date= 24 October 2020|archive-date= 29 October 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201029204408/https://scroll.in/field/976664/watch-kkrs-varun-chakravarthy-takes-first-five-wicket-haul-of-ipl-2020|url-status= live}}</ref> He finished as the team's highest wicket-taker in the season with 17 wickets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/bowling-most-wickets-career/indian-premier-league-2020-21-13533|title=Most wickets, IPL 2020-21|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
 
On 3 May 2021, Varun, and his teammate [[Sandeep Warrier]], tested positive for [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2021-varun-chakravarthy-sandeep-warrier-positive-for-covid-19-kkr-vs-rcb-rescheduled-1262213|title=Chakravarthy, Warrier positive for Covid-19, KKR vs RCB rescheduled|first=Nagraj|last=Gollapudi|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=3 May 2021|date=3 May 2021}}</ref> As a result, the match between the Knight Riders and [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]] was called off, and the tournament was later suspended.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.india.com/sports/kkr-stars-varun-chakravarthy-sandeep-warrier-test-positive-for-coronavirus-kolkata-versus-bangalore-ipl-2021-game-rescheduled-4635905/ |title=KKR Stars Varun Chakravarthy, Sandeep Warrier Test Positive For Coronavirus, Kolkata versus Bangalore IPL 2021 Game Rescheduled |work=India.com |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref> Varun topped the wicket charts for the Knight Riders in the [[2021 Indian Premier League|2021]], and In the [[2023 Indian Premier League|2023 IPL seasons]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL 2021 Stats & Records: Most Runs, Wickets & Catches, Highest & Lowest Score - myKhel.com|url=https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/ipl-2021-kolkata-stats-tp61-s4/|access-date=22 October 2021|work=My Khel}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/bowling-most-wickets-career/indian-premier-league-2023-15129|title=Most wickets, IPL 2023|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> He was the second-highest wicket-taker in the [[2024 Indian Premier League|2024 IPL season]] with 21 dismissals at an average of 19.14 and economy rate of 8.04.<ref>{{cite news |title=Varun Chakravarthy rewarded for hard work on tough pitches in IPL: Parthiv Patel |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/india-vs-bangladesh-varun-chakravarthy-parthiv-patel-2608350-2024-09-29 |access-date=10 March 2025 |work=[[India Today]] |date=29 September 2024 }}</ref> He took 18 wickets in six matches for Tamil Nadu at the [[2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy]] and finished second on the wicket-takers' list behind [[Arshdeep Singh (cricketer)|Arshdeep Singh]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Most wickets For Vijay Hazare Trophy, 2024/25 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/bowling-most-wickets-career/vijay-hazare-trophy-2024-25-16564 |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=10 March 2025}}</ref>


==Career==
==International career==
He made his [[List A cricket|List A]] debut for [[Tamil Nadu cricket team|Tamil Nadu]] in the [[2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy]] on 20 September 2018.<ref name="LA">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1156804.html |title=Elite, Group C, Vijay Hazare Trophy at Chennai, Sep 20 2018 |access-date=20 September 2018 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He was the leading wicket-taker for Tamil Nadu in the [[2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy]], with twenty-two dismissals in nine matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=12591;team=2184;type=tournament |title=Vijay Hazare Trophy, 2016/17 - Tamil Nadu: Batting and bowling averages |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=11 October 2018}}</ref> He made his [[first-class cricket|first-class]] debut for Tamil Nadu in the [[2018–19 Ranji Trophy]] on 12 November 2018.<ref name="FC">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1156962.html |title=Elite, Group B, Ranji Trophy at Tirunelveli, Nov 12-15 2018 |access-date=12 November 2018 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref>
In October 2020, Varun was named in India's [[Twenty20 International]] (T20I) squad for their [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2020–21|away series]] against [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30196657/rishabh-pant-omitted-india-white-ball-squads,-varun-chakravarthy-t20i-squad |title=Rishabh Pant omitted from India's white-ball squads, Varun Chakravarthy in T20I squad |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=26 October 2020 |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-date=29 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029201412/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30196657/rishabh-pant-omitted-india-white-ball-squads,-varun-chakravarthy-t20i-squad |url-status=live }}</ref> However, on 9 November 2020, he was ruled out of the series after suffering an injury.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/kohli-to-go-on-paternity-leave-after-1st-australia-test-rohit-included-for-tests-varun-chakravarthy-injured/article33058416.ece |title=Kohli to go on paternity leave after 1st Australia Test; Rohit included for Tests, Varun Chakravarthy injured |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=9 November 2020 |access-date=9 November 2020 |last1=Karhadkar |first1=Amol }}</ref> In February 2021, he was named in India's T20I squad for their [[English cricket team in India in 2020–21|home series]] against [[England cricket team|England]], but did not make it to the playing XI.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2021/news/150315/india-s-squad-for-paytm-t20i-series-announced |title=India's squad for Paytm T20I series announced |work=Board of Control for Cricket in India |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209120851/https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2021/news/150315/india-s-squad-for-paytm-t20i-series-announced |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2021, Varun was named in India's [[One Day International]] (ODI) and T20I squads for their [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2021|away series]] against [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-vs-india-2021-shikhar-dhawan-to-captain-india-on-limited-overs-tour-of-sri-lanka-1265911 |title=Shikhar Dhawan to captain India on limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=10 June 2021 |access-date=10 June 2021 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610171551/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-vs-india-2021-shikhar-dhawan-to-captain-india-on-limited-overs-tour-of-sri-lanka-1265911 |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his T20I debut on 25 July 2021 in the first match of the series,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1262758.html |title=1st T20I (N), Colombo (RPS), Jul 25 2021, India tour of Sri Lanka |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=25 July 2021}}</ref> and took the wicket of the Sri Lankan captain [[Dasun Shanaka]].<ref>{{cite web|date=26 July 2021|title=India vs Sri Lanka: 'He's got an X-factor,' says Laxman as he praises Varun Chakravarthy on his debut performance|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka-he-s-got-an-x-factor-says-laxman-as-he-praises-varun-chakravarthy-on-his-debut-performance-101627290643994.html|access-date=26 July 2021|work=[[The Hindustan Times]]|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726095645/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka-he-s-got-an-x-factor-says-laxman-as-he-praises-varun-chakravarthy-on-his-debut-performance-101627290643994.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2021, he was named in the Indian squad for the [[2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-s-2021-t20-world-cup-squad-r-ashwin-picked-ms-dhoni-mentor-1276821 |title=India's T20 World Cup squad: R Ashwin picked, MS Dhoni mentor |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=8 September 2021 |access-date=8 September 2021 |archive-date=8 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908162755/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-s-2021-t20-world-cup-squad-r-ashwin-picked-ms-dhoni-mentor-1276821 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, he went wicket-less in his three appearances in the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cracks to craftsmanship: Varun Chakravarthy redesigns his Dubai story |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/champions-trophy-varun-chakravarthy-dubai-architect-redemption-india-vs-new-zealand-2687942-2025-03-03 |work=[[India Today]] |date=3 March 2025 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>


In December 2018, he was bought by the [[Kings XI Punjab]] in the [[List of 2019 Indian Premier League personnel changes|player auction]] for the [[2019 Indian Premier League]] (IPL) at the price of 8.4 [[crore]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25390461/ipl-2019-auction-was-sold-whom |title=IPL 2019 auction: The list of sold and unsold players |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=18 December 2018|date=18 December 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ipl-auction-2019-who-got-whom/articleshow/67144375.cms |title=IPL 2019 Auction: Who got whom |work=The Times of India |access-date=18 December 2018}}</ref> He made his [[Twenty20]] debut for the team on 27 March 2019.<ref name="T20">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1175361.html |title=6th Match (N), Indian Premier League at Kolkata, Mar 27 2019 |access-date=27 March 2019 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> His first over went for 25 runs, the highest number of runs conceded by a bowler on debut in the IPL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/26372196/sunil-narine-makes-first-forget-varun-chakravarthy |title=Sunil Narine makes it a first over to forget for Varun Chakravarthy |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=27 March 2019|date=27 March 2019 }}</ref> He was released by the Kings XI Punjab ahead of the [[List of 2020 Indian Premier League personnel changes|2020 IPL auction]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28087425/where-do-eight-franchises-stand-2020-auction |title=Where do the eight franchises stand before the 2020 auction? |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=15 November 2019|date=15 November 2019 }}</ref> In the [[List of 2020 Indian Premier League personnel changes|2020 IPL auction]], he was bought by the [[Kolkata Knight Riders]] ahead of the [[2020 Indian Premier League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28338426/ipl-auction-analysis-do-eight-teams-their-best-xis-place? |title=IPL auction analysis: Do the eight teams have their best XIs in place? |work=ESPN Cricinfo |date=20 December 2019 |access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref> On 24 October 2020, he took his first [[five-wicket haul]] in the IPL, with figures of 5 wickets for 20 runs, against the [[Delhi Capitals]] in [[Abu Dhabi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/field/976664/watch-kkrs-varun-chakravarthy-takes-first-five-wicket-haul-of-ipl-2020 |title= Varun Chakravarthy took his first five-wicket haul|access-date= 24 October 2020|work= scroll.in}}</ref>
In October 2024, Varun made his international comeback after nearly three years in the first match of the [[Bangladeshi cricket team in India in 2024–25|T20I series]] against [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]], and took three wickets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Varun Chakravarthy on dream comeback in India vs Bangladesh T20 cricket match: ‘Feels like rebirth’ {{!}} Mint |url=https://www.livemint.com/sports/cricket-news/varun-chakravarthy-on-dream-comeback-in-india-vs-bangladesh-t20-cricket-match-feels-like-rebirth-11728276426741.html |access-date=10 March 2025 |work=[[Live Mint]] |date=7 October 2024 }}</ref> He took his maiden T20I five-wicket haul when he finished with figures of 5/17 in the second match of the [[Indian cricket team in South Africa in 2024–25|away series]] against [[South Africa national cricket team|South Africa]] on 10 November 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title="Combination of both my consistency and overspin": Varun Chakaravarthy on his unique bowling style after India's loss to South Africa |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/combination-of-both-my-consistency-and-overspin-varun-chakaravarthy-on-his-unique-bowling-style-after-india-s-loss-to-south-africa-101731317619294.html |access-date=10 March 2025 |work=[[The Hindustan Times]] |date=11 November 2024 }}</ref> He finished as the highest wicket taker of the series with 12 dismissals in four matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-in-south-africa-2024-25-1449299|title=Indian in South Africa 2024|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> In early 2025, he won the Player of the series award in the five-match [[English cricket team in India in 2024–25|T20I series]] against England, after taking 14 wickets including his second five-wicket haul (5/24) during the third match of the series.<ref>{{cite news |title=Varun Chakaravarthy added to India’s ODI squad for England series, Shubman Gill says |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/varun-chakaravarthy-training-odi-call-up-nagpur-india-vs-england-9816808/ |access-date=10 March 2025 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=4 February 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-in-india-2024-25-1439850|title=England in India 2024-25|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> He made his ODI debut in the subsequent ODI series against England.<ref name="Bio"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=IND vs ENG Cricket Scorecard, 2nd ODI at Cuttack, February 09, 2025 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-in-india-2024-25-1439850/india-vs-england-2nd-odi-1439905/full-scorecard |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250624012220/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-in-india-2024-25-1439850/india-vs-england-2nd-odi-1439905/full-scorecard |archive-date=2025-06-24 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> At 33 years and 164 days old, he became the second oldest ODI debutant for India after [[Farokh Engineer]].<ref>{{cite news |title=India vs England Cuttack ODI: Varun Chakravarthy makes ODI debut, second oldest Indian to do so in the format |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-vs-england-cuttack-odi-varun-chakravarthy-makes-odi-debut-second-oldest-indian-to-do-so-in-the-format-9826130/ |access-date=10 March 2025 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=9 February 2025 }}</ref>


In October 2020, he was named in India's [[Twenty20 International]] (T20I) squad for their series [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2020–21|against Australia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30196657/rishabh-pant-omitted-india-white-ball-squads,-varun-chakravarthy-t20i-squad |title=Rishabh Pant omitted from India's white-ball squads, Varun Chakravarthy in T20I squad |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=26 October 2020}}</ref> However, on 9 November 2020, Chakravarthy was ruled out of the squad after suffering an injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/kohli-to-go-on-paternity-leave-after-1st-australia-test-rohit-included-for-tests-varun-chakravarthy-injured/article33058416.ece |title=Kohli to go on paternity leave after 1st Australia Test; Rohit included for Tests, Varun Chakravarthy injured |work=The Hindu |access-date=9 November 2020}}</ref> In February 2021, he was named in India's T20I squad for their series [[English cricket team in India in 2020–21|against England]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2021/news/150315/india-s-squad-for-paytm-t20i-series-announced |title=India's squad for Paytm T20I series announced |work=Board of Control for Cricket in India |access-date=19 February 2021}}</ref>
In February 2025, Varun was named in India's 15-member squad for the [[2025 ICC Champions Trophy]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gollapudi |first1=Nagraj |title=Bumrah ruled out of Champions Trophy; Varun a late inclusion in India squad |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-news-jasprit-bumrah-ruled-out-of-champions-trophy-varun-chakravarthy-a-late-inclusion-1472791 |access-date=10 March 2025 |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=11 February 2025 }}</ref> He took 5/42 in a group stage match against [[New Zealand national cricket team|New Zealand]], his maiden ODI five-wicket haul in his second ODI appearance.<ref>{{cite web |title=CT 2025: Varun reveals mental battle with old Dubai memories, approach to ODI bowling following fifer against NZ |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/ct-2025-varun-reveals-mental-battle-with-old-dubai-memories-approach-to-odi-bowling-following-fifer-against-nz/ |access-date=10 March 2025 |work=[[The Tribune (India)|The Tribune]] |date=3 March 2025 }}</ref> He took two wickets each in the semifinal against Australia and in the [[2025 ICC Champions Trophy final|final]] against New Zealand. He finished as the tournament's joint second-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets in three matches at an [[bowling average|average]] of 15.11, as India won the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most wickets For ICC Champions Trophy, 2024/25 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/bowling-most-wickets-career/icc-champions-trophy-2024-25-16814 |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=10 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-champions-trophy-2024-25-1459031/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results |title=2025 ICC Champions Trophy |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=10 March 2025}}</ref> He was subsequently named in the ''Team of the Tournament'' by the [[International Cricket Council]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/champions-trophy-2025/news/icc-announces-champions-trophy-2025-team-of-the-tournament |title=ICC announces Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament |work=[[International Cricket Council]] |date=10 March 2025 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> He was part of the Indian squad for the [[2025 Asia Cup]] held in September 2025.<ref>{{cite news |title=India's squad for ACC Asia Cup 2025 announced|url=https://www.bcci.tv/bccilink/articles/2amcEwyu |work=[[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] |access-date=19 August 2025}}</ref> He finished as the second highest wicket taker for India behind [[Kuldeep Yadav]], with seven wickets in six matches, as India won the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/bowling-most-wickets-career/men-s-t20-asia-cup-2025-17474 |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |title= Asia Cup 2025 — Most Wickets — Records |access-date=9 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |access-date=1 December 2025 |date=28 September 2025 |title=India win 9th Asia Cup title after Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube ace nerve-wracking chase against Pakistan |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-win-9th-asia-cup-title-after-tilak-varma-shivam-dube-kuldeep-yadav-ace-nerve-wracking-chase-against-pakistan-101759080767472.html |work=[[The Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>


In June 2021, he was named in India's [[One Day International]] (ODI) and T20I squads for their series [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2021|against Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-vs-india-2021-shikhar-dhawan-to-captain-india-on-limited-overs-tour-of-sri-lanka-1265911 |title=Shikhar Dhawan to captain India on limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref>
Varun was named in the India squad for the [[2026 Men's T20 World Cup]], co-hosted by India in February&ndash;March 2026.<ref>{{ESPNcricinfo 2|series|ref=icc-men-s-t20-world-cup-2026-1502138/india-squad-1516482/series-squads|title=2026 Men's T20 World Cup, India squad|access-date=20 December 2025|dynamic=y}}</ref> India won the tournament by beating New Zealand in the final,<ref>{{cite news |date=8 March 2026 |title=History scripted as India capture T20 World Cup crown |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/mens-t20-world-cup-2026/news/live-india-new-zealand-chase-world-cup-glory |work=[[International Cricket Council]] |access-date=8 March 2026 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=8 March 2026 |title=India crush New Zealand for third T20 World Cup title |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-men-s-t20-world-cup-2025-26-1502138/india-vs-new-zealand-final-1512773/match-report |work=[[ESPNCricinfo]] |access-date=8 March 2026 }}</ref> and Varun finished as the joint highest wicket taker with 14 wickets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/bowling-most-wickets-career/icc-men-s-t20-world-cup-2025-26-17604|title=Most Wickets, 2026 Men's T20 World Cup |work=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=8 March 2026}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
He also made a cameo appearance in the 2014 Indian Tamil-language sports drama film [[Jeeva (2014 film)|''Jeeva'']] as a club cricketer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=When KKR's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy acted in Tamil film!|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/sports/2020/10/28/when-kkr-mystery-spinner-varun-chakravarthy-acted-in-tamil-film.html|access-date=29 October 2020|website=The Week|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=28 October 2020|title=KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy acted in a Tamil movie Jeeva back in 2014|url=https://www.crictracker.com/kkr-spinner-varun-chakravarthy-acted-in-a-tamil-movie-jeeva-back-in-2014/|access-date=29 October 2020|website=CricTracker|language=en}}</ref> Prior to his professional career as a cricketer, he served as an architect.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Wasn't expecting it': Architect-turned-cricketer Varun Chakravarthy after being awarded India call-up|url=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wasnt-expecting-it-architect-turned-cricketer-varun-chakravarthy-after-being-awarded-india-call-up-338245|access-date=29 October 2020|website=WION|language=en}}</ref> On 11 December 2020, he married his longtime girlfriend Neha Khedekar in a closed ceremony in Chennai.<ref>{{cite news |title=கிரிக்கெட் வீரர் வருண் சக்ரவர்த்தி நீண்ட நாள் தோழியுடன் திருமணம்; ரசிகர்கள் வாழ்த்து |url=https://tamil.indianexpress.com/viral/cricket-player-varun-chakravarthy-got-married-his-girl-friend-photos-goes-viral-236792/ |access-date=12 December 2020 |work=Indian Express |date=11 December 2020 |language=ta-IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Desai |first1=Aditya |title=Kolkata IPL team spinner Varun Chakravarthy marries long-time girlfriend Neha Khedekar |url=https://www.republicworld.com/sports-news/cricket-news/kolkata-ipl-team-spinner-varun-chakravarthy-marries-long-time-girlfriend-neha-khedekar.html |access-date=21 December 2020 |work=Republic World |date=14 December 2020}}</ref>
Varun made a cameo appearance in the 2014 Indian Tamil-language sports drama film [[Jeeva (2014 film)|''Jeeva'']] as a club cricketer.<ref>{{cite web|title=When KKR's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy acted in Tamil film!|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/sports/2020/10/28/when-kkr-mystery-spinner-varun-chakravarthy-acted-in-tamil-film.html|access-date=29 October 2020|work=[[The Week (magazine)|The Week]]|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028165601/https://www.theweek.in/news/sports/2020/10/28/when-kkr-mystery-spinner-varun-chakravarthy-acted-in-tamil-film.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=28 October 2020|title=KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy acted in a Tamil movie Jeeva back in 2014|url=https://www.crictracker.com/kkr-spinner-varun-chakravarthy-acted-in-a-tamil-movie-jeeva-back-in-2014/|access-date=29 October 2020|work=CricTracker|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101135547/https://www.crictracker.com/kkr-spinner-varun-chakravarthy-acted-in-a-tamil-movie-jeeva-back-in-2014/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 December 2020, he married his longtime girlfriend Neha Khedekar in Chennai.<ref>{{cite news |title=கிரிக்கெட் வீரர் வருண் சக்ரவர்த்தி நீண்ட நாள் தோழியுடன் திருமணம்; ரசிகர்கள் வாழ்த்து |url=https://tamil.indianexpress.com/viral/cricket-player-varun-chakravarthy-got-married-his-girl-friend-photos-goes-viral-236792/ |trans-title=Varun Chakravarthu got married |access-date=12 December 2020 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=11 December 2020 |language=ta}}</ref>
 
On 3 May 2021, Chakravarthy, along with his [[Kolkata Knight Riders]] teammate, [[Sandeep Warrier]], tested positive for [[COVID-19]].<ref name="Covid19">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2021-varun-chakravarthy-sandeep-warrier-positive-for-covid-19-kkr-vs-rcb-rescheduled-1262213|title=Chakravarthy, Warrier positive for Covid-19, KKR vs RCB rescheduled|first=Nagraj|last=Gollapudi|work=[[ESPN Cricinfo]]|access-date=3 May 2021|date=3 May 2021|language=en|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]] was called off.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.india.com/sports/kkr-stars-varun-chakravarthy-sandeep-warrier-test-positive-for-coronavirus-kolkata-versus-bangalore-ipl-2021-game-rescheduled-4635905/ |title=KKR Stars Varun Chakravarthy, Sandeep Warrier Test Positive For Coronavirus, Kolkata versus Bangalore IPL 2021 Game Rescheduled |work=India.com |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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* {{cricinfo|id=1108375}}


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{{India Squad 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup}}
{{India Squad 2025 ICC Champions Trophy}}
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[[Category:1991 births]]
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[[Category:Cricketers from Karnataka]]
[[Category:India Twenty20 International cricketers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian sportsmen]]
[[Category:India One Day International cricketers]]
[[Category:Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Tamil male actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:21st-century Tamil male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century Tamil male actors]]

Latest revision as of 12:32, 14 March 2026


In this Indian name, the name Chakravarthy Vinod is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Varun .
Varun Chakravarthy
Personal information
Full nameVarun Chakaravarthy Vinod
Born (1991-08-29) 29 August 1991 (age 34)
Bidar, Karnataka, India
BattingRight-handed
BowlingRight-arm leg break googly
RoleBowler
International information
National side
ODI debut (cap 259)9 February 2025 v England
Last ODI9 March 2025 v New Zealand
ODI shirt no.29
T20I debut (cap 87)25 July 2021 v Sri Lanka
Last T20I8 March 2026 v New Zealand
T20I shirt no.29
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
2017Tirupur Tamizhans
2018Madurai Panthers
2018–presentTamil Nadu
2020–presentKolkata Knight Riders
2022–presentDindigul Dragons
Career statistics
Competition ODI T20I LA T20
Matches 4 45 29 150
Runs scored – 3 121 102
Batting average – 0.75 11.00 6.37
100s/50s – 0/0 0/0 0/0
Top score – 1* 32 24
Balls bowled 240 963 1,515 3,319
Wickets 10 73 75 197
Bowling average 19.00 16.61 14.29 21.26
5 wickets in innings 1 2 5 3
10 wickets in match 0 0 0 0
Best bowling 5/42 5/17 5/9 5/17
Catches/stumpings 0/– 9/– 8/– 28/–
Medal record
Men's cricket
Representing  India
ICC T20 World Cup
Winner 2026 India & Sri Lanka
ICC Champions Trophy
Winner 2025 Pakistan {{{3}}}
ACC Asia Cup
Winner 2025 UAE {{{3}}}
Source: ESPNcricinfo, 8 March 2026

Varun Chakravarthy Vinod (born 29 August 1991) is an Indian international cricketer who plays for the India national team as a right-arm leg spin bowler. He represents Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket, and plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League and Dindigul Dragons in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. He was a member of the Indian team that won the 2026 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2025 Asia Cup. In December 2025, he became the highest rated Indian bowler ever in the ICC rankings for Twenty20 Internationals with 818 points.[1]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Varun Chakravarthy Vinod was born on 29 August 1991 in Bidar, Karnataka, to Vinod Chakravarthy, an ITS officer working for BSNL, and Malini. His father is of half-Tamil and half-Malayali descent, while his mother is a Kannadiga.[2][3][4] He was brought up in Adyar, Chennai.[3]

Varun did his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya CLRI and St. Patrick's School in Chennai. He initially played cricket as a wicket-keeper but quit the sport to focus on academics. He obtained a bachelor's degree in architecture from SRM University. At the age of 25, he gave up his architect career to pursue cricket professionally.[5][6] While starting out as a pace bowler, he turned to spin bowling after a knee injury in early 2017 that kept him out of action for six months.[7][8]

Domestic career[edit | edit source]

Varun came into the limelight during the 2018 season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), where his nine wickets at an economy rate of 4.70 helped Madurai Panthers win their maiden TNPL title.[9] He made his List A debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2018-19 season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on 20 September 2018.[10] He was the leading wicket-taker for Tamil Nadu in the tournament, with 22 dismissals in nine matches.[11] He made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2018-19 edition of the Ranji Trophy on 12 November 2018.[12]

In December 2018, Varun was bought by the Kings XI Punjab in the player auction for the 2019 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the price of ₹84 million (US$1.2 million).[13][14] He made his Twenty20 debut for the team on 27 March 2019 in a match against Kolkata Knight Riders.[15] His first over went for 25 runs, the highest number of runs conceded by a bowler on debut in the IPL.[16] He played just the one match in the season,[2] and was released by the Kings XI Punjab ahead of the 2020 IPL auction.[17] In the auction ahead of the 2020 IPL season, he was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹40 million (US$560,000).[18][19] On 24 October 2020, he took his first five-wicket haul in the IPL, with figures of 5 wickets for 20 runs, against the Delhi Capitals.[20] He finished as the team's highest wicket-taker in the season with 17 wickets.[21]

On 3 May 2021, Varun, and his teammate Sandeep Warrier, tested positive for COVID-19.[22] As a result, the match between the Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore was called off, and the tournament was later suspended.[23] Varun topped the wicket charts for the Knight Riders in the 2021, and In the 2023 IPL seasons.[24][25] He was the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 IPL season with 21 dismissals at an average of 19.14 and economy rate of 8.04.[26] He took 18 wickets in six matches for Tamil Nadu at the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy and finished second on the wicket-takers' list behind Arshdeep Singh.[27]

International career[edit | edit source]

In October 2020, Varun was named in India's Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for their away series against Australia.[28] However, on 9 November 2020, he was ruled out of the series after suffering an injury.[29] In February 2021, he was named in India's T20I squad for their home series against England, but did not make it to the playing XI.[30] In June 2021, Varun was named in India's One Day International (ODI) and T20I squads for their away series against Sri Lanka.[31] He made his T20I debut on 25 July 2021 in the first match of the series,[32] and took the wicket of the Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka.[33] In September 2021, he was named in the Indian squad for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.[34] However, he went wicket-less in his three appearances in the tournament.[35]

In October 2024, Varun made his international comeback after nearly three years in the first match of the T20I series against Bangladesh, and took three wickets.[36] He took his maiden T20I five-wicket haul when he finished with figures of 5/17 in the second match of the away series against South Africa on 10 November 2024.[37] He finished as the highest wicket taker of the series with 12 dismissals in four matches.[38] In early 2025, he won the Player of the series award in the five-match T20I series against England, after taking 14 wickets including his second five-wicket haul (5/24) during the third match of the series.[39][40] He made his ODI debut in the subsequent ODI series against England.[2][41] At 33 years and 164 days old, he became the second oldest ODI debutant for India after Farokh Engineer.[42]

In February 2025, Varun was named in India's 15-member squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.[43] He took 5/42 in a group stage match against New Zealand, his maiden ODI five-wicket haul in his second ODI appearance.[44] He took two wickets each in the semifinal against Australia and in the final against New Zealand. He finished as the tournament's joint second-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets in three matches at an average of 15.11, as India won the tournament.[45][46] He was subsequently named in the Team of the Tournament by the International Cricket Council.[47] He was part of the Indian squad for the 2025 Asia Cup held in September 2025.[48] He finished as the second highest wicket taker for India behind Kuldeep Yadav, with seven wickets in six matches, as India won the title.[49][50]

Varun was named in the India squad for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India in February–March 2026.[51] India won the tournament by beating New Zealand in the final,[52][53] and Varun finished as the joint highest wicket taker with 14 wickets.[54]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Varun made a cameo appearance in the 2014 Indian Tamil-language sports drama film Jeeva as a club cricketer.[55][56] On 11 December 2020, he married his longtime girlfriend Neha Khedekar in Chennai.[57]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Varun Chakaravarthy becomes highest-rated Indian T20I bowler of all-time". Dainik Bhaskar. 17 December 2025. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Varun Chakravarthy". ESPNcricinfo. Archived from the original on 13 August 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Nair, Aneesh (10 December 2020). "Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and his Kerala connection". Manorama. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  4. ↑ "Basu Shanker | Varun Chakravarthy | Mystery Spinner | Cricket | Interview | Time Out with Basu | E15". 17 September 2022. Event occurs between 2:20 and 2:46. Archived from the original on 3 March 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2025 – via YouTube.
  5. ↑ Dani, Bipin (30 October 2020). "Varun Chakravarthy is spinning reality out of dreams". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  6. ↑ "'Wasn't expecting it': Architect-turned-cricketer Varun Chakravarthy after being awarded India call-up". WION. 27 October 2020. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  7. ↑ PR, Srinidhi (18 December 2018). "Varun Chakaravarthy: From fourth-division player to IPL's million-dollar baby". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  8. ↑ Menon, Vishal (19 December 2018). "IPL 2019 Auction: Stock jumps for unknown commodity Varun Chakravarthy". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 19 December 2018. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  9. ↑ RS, Prasad (12 September 2018). "Spinner Varun hopes to be architect of Tamil Nadu's success". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  10. ↑ "Elite, Group C, Vijay Hazare Trophy at Chennai, Sep 20 2018". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  11. ↑ "Vijay Hazare Trophy, 2016/17 - Tamil Nadu: Batting and bowling averages". ESPNcricinfo. Archived from the original on 11 October 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  12. ↑ "Elite, Group B, Ranji Trophy at Tirunelveli, Nov 12-15 2018". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  13. ↑ "IPL 2019 auction: The list of sold and unsold players". ESPNcricinfo. 18 December 2018. Archived from the original on 18 December 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
  14. ↑ "IPL 2019 Auction: Who got whom". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 December 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
  15. ↑ "6th Match (N), Indian Premier League at Kolkata, Mar 27 2019". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  16. ↑ "Sunil Narine makes it a first over to forget for Varun Chakravarthy". ESPNcricinfo. 27 March 2019. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  17. ↑ "Where do the eight franchises stand before the 2020 auction?". ESPNcricinfo. 15 November 2019. Archived from the original on 15 November 2019. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
  18. ↑ "Decoding the mystery: Who is Varun Chakravarthy?". ESPNcricinfo. 8 January 2018. Archived from the original on 18 December 2018. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  19. ↑ "IPL auction analysis: Do the eight teams have their best XIs in place?". ESPNcricinfo. 20 December 2019. Archived from the original on 21 December 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  20. ↑ "Varun Chakravarthy took his first five-wicket haul". Scroll.in. 24 October 2020. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  21. ↑ "Most wickets, IPL 2020-21". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  22. ↑ Gollapudi, Nagraj (3 May 2021). "Chakravarthy, Warrier positive for Covid-19, KKR vs RCB rescheduled". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  23. ↑ "KKR Stars Varun Chakravarthy, Sandeep Warrier Test Positive For Coronavirus, Kolkata versus Bangalore IPL 2021 Game Rescheduled". India.com. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  24. ↑ "Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL 2021 Stats & Records: Most Runs, Wickets & Catches, Highest & Lowest Score - myKhel.com". My Khel. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  25. ↑ "Most wickets, IPL 2023". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  26. ↑ "Varun Chakravarthy rewarded for hard work on tough pitches in IPL: Parthiv Patel". India Today. 29 September 2024. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  27. ↑ "Most wickets For Vijay Hazare Trophy, 2024/25". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  28. ↑ "Rishabh Pant omitted from India's white-ball squads, Varun Chakravarthy in T20I squad". ESPNcricinfo. 26 October 2020. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  29. ↑ Karhadkar, Amol (9 November 2020). "Kohli to go on paternity leave after 1st Australia Test; Rohit included for Tests, Varun Chakravarthy injured". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  30. ↑ "India's squad for Paytm T20I series announced". Board of Control for Cricket in India. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  31. ↑ "Shikhar Dhawan to captain India on limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka". ESPNcricinfo. 10 June 2021. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  32. ↑ "1st T20I (N), Colombo (RPS), Jul 25 2021, India tour of Sri Lanka". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  33. ↑ "India vs Sri Lanka: 'He's got an X-factor,' says Laxman as he praises Varun Chakravarthy on his debut performance". The Hindustan Times. 26 July 2021. Archived from the original on 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  34. ↑ "India's T20 World Cup squad: R Ashwin picked, MS Dhoni mentor". ESPNcricinfo. 8 September 2021. Archived from the original on 8 September 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  35. ↑ "Cracks to craftsmanship: Varun Chakravarthy redesigns his Dubai story". India Today. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  36. ↑ "Varun Chakravarthy on dream comeback in India vs Bangladesh T20 cricket match: 'Feels like rebirth' | Mint". Live Mint. 7 October 2024. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  37. ↑ ""Combination of both my consistency and overspin": Varun Chakaravarthy on his unique bowling style after India's loss to South Africa". The Hindustan Times. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  38. ↑ "Indian in South Africa 2024". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  39. ↑ "Varun Chakaravarthy added to India's ODI squad for England series, Shubman Gill says". The Indian Express. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  40. ↑ "England in India 2024-25". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  41. ↑ "IND vs ENG Cricket Scorecard, 2nd ODI at Cuttack, February 09, 2025". ESPNcricinfo. Archived from the original on 24 June 2025. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  42. ↑ "India vs England Cuttack ODI: Varun Chakravarthy makes ODI debut, second oldest Indian to do so in the format". The Indian Express. 9 February 2025. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  43. ↑ Gollapudi, Nagraj (11 February 2025). "Bumrah ruled out of Champions Trophy; Varun a late inclusion in India squad". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  44. ↑ "CT 2025: Varun reveals mental battle with old Dubai memories, approach to ODI bowling following fifer against NZ". The Tribune. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  45. ↑ "Most wickets For ICC Champions Trophy, 2024/25". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  46. ↑ "2025 ICC Champions Trophy". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  47. ↑ "ICC announces Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament". International Cricket Council. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  48. ↑ "India's squad for ACC Asia Cup 2025 announced". Board of Control for Cricket in India. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
  49. ↑ "Asia Cup 2025 — Most Wickets — Records". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  50. ↑ "India win 9th Asia Cup title after Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube ace nerve-wracking chase against Pakistan". The Hindustan Times. 28 September 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  51. ↑ Template:ESPNcricinfo 2
  52. ↑ "History scripted as India capture T20 World Cup crown". International Cricket Council. 8 March 2026. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  53. ↑ "India crush New Zealand for third T20 World Cup title". ESPNCricinfo. 8 March 2026. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  54. ↑ "Most Wickets, 2026 Men's T20 World Cup". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  55. ↑ "When KKR's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy acted in Tamil film!". The Week. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  56. ↑ "KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy acted in a Tamil movie Jeeva back in 2014". CricTracker. 28 October 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  57. ↑ "கிரிக்கெட் வீரர் வருண் சக்ரவர்த்தி நீண்ட நாள் தோழியுடன் திருமணம்; ரசிகர்கள் வாழ்த்து" [Varun Chakravarthu got married]. The Indian Express (in தமிழ்). 11 December 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.

External links[edit | edit source]

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