Indian leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy has surged 25 places to secure the fifth position in the latest ICC T20I bowling rankings.
This leap comes on the heels of his stellar performances in the ongoing T20I series against England, where he has emerged as a key player for the Indian team.
Stellar Performance Against England
Chakravarthy’s ascent in the rankings is largely attributed to his impressive bowling display in the recently concluded three-match T20I series against England.
Over these matches, he has taken 10 wickets, showcasing his ability to dismantle batting lineups with his unique spin variations.
His performance not only highlights his skill but also solidifies his status as one of the leading bowlers in T20 cricket today.
Current Rankings Snapshot
As of January 29, 2025, the updated ICC T20I bowling rankings reflect Chakravarthy’s rise:
- 5th Place: Varun Chakravarthy (India) – 10 wickets in the series
- 1st Place: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – reclaiming his top spot
- Other notable bowlers include Jofra Archer, who also made significant gains in the rankings.
Chakravarthy’s rise to the top five makes him the highest-ranked bowler from India in T20 internationals, underscoring his critical role within the national squad.
His previous best was within the top ten, but this recent jump marks a significant milestone in his career.
Background and Career Highlights
Varun Chakravarthy made headlines when he was bought by Kings XI Punjab for a staggering INR 8.4 crore during the IPL 2019 auctions.
Known for his mystery spin and various bowling techniques, he quickly became a vital asset for franchises, particularly with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he has consistently performed well.
His journey from local Tamil Nadu tournaments to international cricket has been nothing short of inspiring. Chakravarthy’s ability to adapt and excel against some of the best batsmen globally has earned him accolades and respect within the cricketing community.
Future Prospects
With this newfound recognition and confidence, Chakravarthy is expected to play a pivotal role for India as they look ahead to future T20 competitions, including upcoming series and tournaments.
His performances will be crucial as India aims to strengthen its bowling attack and compete at the highest levels.
