**Varun Chakravarthy: The Architect-Turned-Mystery Spinner Making Waves in Indian Cricket**
Varun Chakravarthy, born on August 29, 1991, in Bidar, Karnataka, has emerged as one of India's most intriguing spin bowlers in recent years. His journey from an architect to a cricketer is a testament to his passion and dedication to the sport.
Early Life and Background
Chakravarthy completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya CLRI and St. Patrick's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai, where he first showcased his cricketing talents. He later pursued a bachelor's degree in architecture from SRM University. However, at the age of 25, he decided to leave his architectural career behind to follow his dream of playing professional cricket.
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Domestic Cricket and IPL Career
Varun made his List A debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy on September 20, 2018, and quickly became the team's leading wicket-taker with 22 dismissals in nine matches. His impressive performances caught the attention of IPL scouts, leading to a significant contract with Kings XI Punjab in 2019. Although his debut season was challenging, he found his stride with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2020. On October 24, 2020, he recorded his first five-wicket haul in the IPL, with figures of 5 wickets for 20 runs against the Delhi Capitals in Abu Dhabi.
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International Career
Chakravarthy's consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL paved the way for his international debut. He made his T20 International debut for India against Sri Lanka on July 25, 2021, where he impressed by taking the wicket of Dasun Shanaka. Despite facing challenges and being out of the national team for a period, Varun worked diligently on his craft. His perseverance paid off when he made his One Day International (ODI) debut against England on February 9, 2025, becoming the second-oldest Indian cricketer to debut in ODIs at the age of 33.
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Recent Achievements
In a recent Champions Trophy match against New Zealand on March 2, 2025, Varun delivered a stellar performance, taking a five-wicket haul and leading India to a 44-run victory. This achievement not only highlighted his skill but also underscored his importance to the Indian bowling lineup.
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Playing Style
Varun is renowned for his "mystery spin," a term used to describe his unique bowling style that combines elements of leg spin and off spin, making it challenging for batsmen to read his deliveries. His ability to bowl a variety of deliveries with the same action has drawn comparisons to former Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis.
7 CRIC CRICKET
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Personal Life
Beyond the cricket field, Varun made a cameo appearance in the 2014 Tamil sports drama film "Jeeva," showcasing his versatility. He married his longtime girlfriend, Neha Khedekar, on December 11, 2020, in a private ceremony in Chennai.
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Varun Chakravarthy's journey from architecture to cricket, coupled with his unique bowling style and recent performances, has solidified his position as a key player in Indian cricket. As he continues to evolve and adapt, fans eagerly antiicipate his contributions in future matches.
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