In the world of cricket, where records are both made and broken with each passing match, Varun Chakravarthy has emerged as a new record breaker, etching his name alongside some of India’s finest bowlers.
On January 28, 2025, in Rajkot, during the third T20I of the five-match series against England, Chakravarthy not only dominated the opposition but also made history by equalling a significant T20I record.
History Maker Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy, the 33-year-old spinner from Tamil Nadu, has been on a remarkable journey, showcasing his prowess on the international stage.
His performance in Rajkot was nothing short of spectacular, particularly because it was here that he achieved his second five-wicket haul in T20 Internationals.
This feat made him the joint holder of the record for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian in T20Is, a record previously shared by Kuldeep Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar had previously stunned audiences with his figures of 5/24 against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2018 and another 5/4 against Afghanistan in Dubai in 2022.
Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, had his moments with 5/24 against England in Manchester in 2018 and an impressive 5/17 against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2023.
Chakravarthy’s journey to this elite club began with his 5/17 against South Africa in Gqeberha in 2024, and his latest performance of 5/24 against England in Rajkot has now cemented his place in cricketing history.
The Match That Shook England
England, coming into the game with the intent to dominate, found themselves grappling with Chakravarthy’s variations and accuracy.
The English side managed to post a total of 171/9, a score that would usually be considered competitive. However, Chakravarthy’s spell was the game-changer. His ability to mix up his deliveries, incorporating googlies, flippers, and traditional leg-spins, baffled the English batsmen, leading to a collapse where wickets fell like dominoes.
Chakravarthy’s performance wasn’t just about the wickets; it was about the control he exerted over the innings.
His economy rate, the pressure he maintained, and the crucial wickets at pivotal moments turned the match in India’s favor.
His figures were not just numbers on a scorecard; they were a testament to his skill, adaptability, and mental fortitude.
Beyond the Records
What makes Chakravarthy’s achievement even more remarkable is the context of his performances.
Before this match, he had already taken five wickets across the first two games of the series – three in Kolkata and two in Chennai.
This consistency has now seen him amass 10 wickets in this bilateral series, making him the first player in T20I cricket history to take 10 or more wickets in two separate bilateral series.
This speaks volumes about his capability to perform under pressure and against top-quality opposition.
Chakravarthy’s journey from being a relatively unknown name to becoming a pivotal part of India’s T20I strategy is a narrative of perseverance and skill.
His late entry into international cricket, after years of honing his craft in domestic circuits and the IPL, adds a layer of inspiration to his story.
His evolution from an architect to one of the architects of India’s bowling attack in T20Is is nothing short of a modern cricket fairy tale.
Looking Forward
As Chakravarthy continues to spin his web around international batsmen, the cricketing world watches with anticipation.
His record-equalling performance is not just a personal milestone but also a beacon for emerging cricketers that consistency, hard work, and the right opportunity can lead to greatness.
For India, Chakravarthy’s rise means a bolstered spin department that can challenge any batting lineup on any given day.
The upcoming matches in the series against England promise more excitement, with Chakravarthy likely to play a central role in India’s quest for dominance.
His ability to match and potentially surpass the legends of the game in terms of records is a testament to his skill and an indicator of what might be just the beginning of a long and illustrious career in international cricket.
As the cricket fraternity celebrates his achievements, one thing is clear: Varun Chakravarthy has not just matched a record; he’s set the stage for many more to come.
