Varun Chakravarthy: An Architect-Turned Mystery Spinner
Varun Chakravarthy’s journey from an architect to an international cricketer is a testament to perseverance, passion, and an unwavering belief in one’s abilities. From designing buildings to dismantling batting line-ups, his transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. As one of India’s top mystery spinners, Varun has earned recognition for his unorthodox bowling style and ability to deceive batsmen with a variety of deliveries.
Early Life and Education: The Foundation of His Journey
Born on August 29, 1991, in Bidar, Karnataka, Varun Chakravarthy was raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His father, Vinod Chakravarthy, worked as a BSNL officer, while his mother, Malini Chakravarthy, was a homemaker. Unlike many professional cricketers who pursue the sport from a young age, Varun had a different path.
He completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya CLRI and St. Patrick’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai. As a schoolboy, he played as a wicketkeeper-batsman, but academics took priority. He went on to pursue a degree in architecture from SRM University, a decision that temporarily distanced him from his cricketing aspirations.
After completing his studies, he worked as an architect for two years, designing buildings and urban landscapes. However, the cricketing passion never faded, and at the age of 25, he made the bold decision to return to professional cricket—an age when many players are already established in their careers.
Transition to Mystery Spin: A Game-Changing Shift
Varun’s comeback to cricket initially saw him playing as a medium-pace bowler. However, a knee injury in 2017 forced him to reassess his bowling style. Instead of giving up, he reinvented himself as a spinner, a decision that turned out to be career-defining.
He spent hours perfecting his craft, developing an array of deliveries, including:
- Off-breaks – Traditional right-arm off-spin
- Leg-breaks – A variation not commonly seen in mystery spinners
- Googly – A deceptive delivery that turns the opposite way
- Carrom ball – Flicked with the fingers to add unpredictability
- Flippers and Sliders – Deliveries that skid through faster than regular spin
- Top-spinners – A ball that dips and bounces sharply
With these variations in his arsenal, he soon became a difficult bowler to read, troubling even the best batsmen.
Rise in Domestic Cricket: The Turning Point
Varun’s first major breakthrough came during the 2018-19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he represented Tamil Nadu. He impressed with 22 wickets in just nine matches, making him one of the standout bowlers of the tournament. His ability to control the run flow while taking crucial wickets gained attention from cricket experts and IPL scouts.
This performance earned him a reputation as a rising star in Indian domestic cricket, and soon, the IPL franchises were eager to sign him.
IPL Career: The League That Changed His Life
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has played a crucial role in shaping Varun Chakravarthy’s career.
- 2019 IPL Auction: Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) bought him for ₹8.4 crore, one of the highest bids for an uncapped player. However, an unfortunate finger injury restricted him to just one match that season.
- 2020 IPL Season: Released by Punjab, he was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and this time, he proved his worth. In the 2020 season, he took his first five-wicket haul against Delhi Capitals, dismantling their batting line-up and announcing himself as a top mystery spinner.
Since then, he has been a vital part of KKR’s bowling attack, consistently delivering match-winning performances in the middle overs.
International Debut and Achievements: Making a Mark for India
T20I Debut and Rise in White-Ball Cricket
Varun’s performances in the IPL earned him a place in the Indian squad for the T20 series against Australia in 2020, but an injury delayed his international debut. He eventually played his first T20I on July 25, 2021, against Sri Lanka, where he picked up his maiden international wicket, dismissing Dasun Shanaka.
His ability to bowl tight spells and pick up crucial wickets made him a regular feature in India’s T20I squad.
ODI Debut in 2025
In February 2025, at the age of 33, Varun made his ODI debut against England, becoming the second-oldest Indian to debut in ODIs after Farokh Engineer. His patience and perseverance had finally paid off.
His most remarkable international moment came in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where he registered a five-wicket haul (5/42) against New Zealand, proving his value as a match-winner.
Varun Chakravarthy Personal Life: A Glimpse Beyond Cricket
Beyond cricket, Varun Chakravarthy has had some interesting experiences. He made a brief appearance as a club cricketer in the Tamil sports film “Jeeva” (2014), showcasing his connection with the sport even before turning professional.
In December 2020, he tied the knot with Neha Khedekar in Chennai, in a low-key wedding ceremony.
During the 2021 IPL season, he tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the tournament’s temporary suspension. However, he recovered fully and made a strong comeback.
Conclusion
Varun Chakravarthy’s journey from designing buildings to designing dismissals on the cricket field is nothing short of inspirational. His rise in cricket proves that passion, hard work, and the willingness to adapt can lead to remarkable success. As he continues his cricketing career, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate his future performances in the 2026 T20 World Cup and beyond.
FAQ’s ?
He was an architect before switching to professional cricket.
A knee injury in 2017 forced him to change his bowling style, leading him to develop multiple spin variations.
Varun made his T20I debut on July 25, 2021, against Sri Lanka, and his ODI debut on February 9, 2025, against England.
His five-wicket haul (5/42) against New Zealand in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is his most notable achievement.