Published By: Sayan Guha

Varun Chakravarthy: A Record That No Bowler Ever Wants to Hold!

From a journeyman spinner to an unfortunate history maker, Chakravarthy’s T20I comeback has been a story of brilliance and bittersweet milestones

Varun Chakravarthy's T20I career is a testament to resilience, much like a Bollywood screenplay. It started humbly in 2021, with a debut that saw him take only two wickets in six games. At that point, doubts about his place on the squad were rampant. However, his life took a thrilling turn in 2024 and 2025, showcasing his remarkable comeback.

In 2021, Chakravarthy's stats painted a bleak picture: a bowling average of 66 and a strike rate of 67.5 disappointed fans and critics. But in 2024, he rose to the challenge after being called back to team India, silencing sceptics with an astonishing 17 wickets in only seven games. His performance saw his average drop to a staggering 12.41, and he took a wicket literally every tenth delivery, a testament to his individual brilliance.

Chakravarthy continued to impress in 2025, taking 10 wickets in only three matches. His average fell to a remarkable 8.5, and his strike rate was a perfect 7.2.

Cricket, like life, frequently combines moments of joy and grief. Despite his outstanding efforts, Chakravarthy is now the only bowler in T20I history to have two five-wicket hauls in games when his side lost, a reminder that even the best players may suffer terrible defeats.

A glimpse of brilliance in Gqeberha

Let's return to November 2024. India played South Africa in the second T20I in Gqeberha. South Africa chasing a tiny target of 125, and Varun delivered like a genius with the ball.

He bowled with cunning and precision in his four overs, taking five wickets for 17 runs. Batters tried to follow his changes as he created a web around them. It was a dreamlike spell. However, the remainder of the bowling attack fizzled. South Africa narrowly won by three wickets with six balls to spare.

Chakravarthy's brilliant performance was marred by the tight setback, a five-for-nothing that was difficult to take.

Magic at Rajkot, but No fairy tale ending

Rajkot witnessed a similar event on January 28, 2025, during the third T20I against England. England batted first and scored 171/9, owing to Chakravarthy's late sparklers with the ball.

In another stunning performance, he took five wickets for 24 runs. His clever changes in pace and exquisite accuracy once again threw the opponents off guard. From Jos Buttler (24) to Jamie Smith (6), England's stars fell victim to his enigma.

India's pursuit, however, lacked firepower. Despite being awarded Player of the Match, Chakravarthy watched helplessly as India collapsed to 145/9, missing out by 26 runs.

The Record that nobody wants

Two five-wicket hauls and two losses. It's the type of record no bowler wants to have. However, Varun Chakravarthy's achievement highlights both his individual brilliance and the team's collective struggle at critical moments. Chakravarthy's quest is far from done. Records, good or poor, are only footnotes in a cricketer's career. As he continues to perplex batters and reinvent himself, one can only hope that his future milestones include the team's success as a cherry on top.

Because, in cricket, isn't it all about converting those "what ifs" into memorable victories?