Varun Chakaravarthy, India’s mystery spinner and a star performer in the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025, has candidly expressed his interest in playing Test cricket.
However, he also acknowledged that his bowling style is not suited for the longest format of the game.
This admission comes after Chakaravarthy’s impressive display in the Champions Trophy, where he played a pivotal role in India’s victory, taking nine wickets in just three matches.
Who is Varun Chakaravarthy?
Chakaravarthy’s journey to becoming a key figure in India’s white-ball cricket has been remarkable.
He began his cricketing career as a wicketkeeper and later transitioned to fast bowling during his college days.
However, an injury led him to switch to spin bowling, a decision that has worked in his favor.
Chakaravarthy’s unique bowling style, which includes a mix of leg breaks and googlies, has made him a formidable force in limited-overs cricket.
Limitations in Test Cricket
In a recent podcast with Gobinath, Chakaravarthy explained that his bowling style, which is akin to medium pace, is not suited for Test cricket.
“I do have an interest in Test cricket, but my bowling style doesn’t suit Test cricket,” he said.
Chakaravarthy noted that in Test matches, bowlers need to continuously bowl 20-30 overs, which is beyond his capacity.
He can manage a maximum of 10-15 overs, making his style more suitable for white-ball cricket, where the focus is on shorter spells and quick wickets.
Focus on White-Ball Cricket
Given his limitations in Test cricket, Chakaravarthy has decided to focus on 20-over and 50-over formats.
His success in these formats has been evident, particularly in the Champions Trophy, where he was instrumental in India’s victory.
Chakaravarthy’s ability to adapt to different conditions and his unique bowling style make him a valuable asset in white-ball cricket.
No Regrets Over Leaving Pace Bowling
Chakaravarthy has expressed no regrets over leaving pace bowling for spin. He believes that had he continued with pace, he might not have achieved the same level of success.
The spin-friendly conditions in Tamil Nadu, where he grew up playing cricket, also influenced his decision.
Chakaravarthy noted that there are fewer fast bowlers from Tamil Nadu due to these conditions, and he is happy with his transition to spin bowling.
Future Plans
As Chakaravarthy prepares for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he remains focused on continuing his form in white-ball cricket.
His performances in the IPL will be crucial in maintaining his position as a key spinner for India in limited-overs formats.
