Varun Chakravarthy Tops T20I Wicket Charts in 2025

Post by : Mara Rahim

Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy has established himself as the premier wicket-taker in T20 internationals for Test-playing nations in 2025. The 34-year-old delivered an outstanding performance in the final T20I against South Africa held in Ahmedabad, capturing four wickets for 53 runs in his four overs. He concluded the series with an impressive tally of 10 wickets, boasting an average of 11.20 and an economy rate of 7.46, which earned him the coveted 'Player of the Series' accolade.

In the course of 2025, Varun played in 20 matches, bowled in 18 innings, and took a total of 36 wickets, maintaining an average of 13.19 with an economy of 7.08. His best bowling figures this year were 5/24, including one five-wicket haul and four four-wicket hauls. Varun ended the year tied with Pakistan’s Mohammed Nawaz for the most wickets taken by a bowler from a playing nation and became India's second-highest T20I wicket-taker in a year, after Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who achieved 37 wickets in 2022.

Continuing his excellent form against South Africa, Varun claimed 22 wickets across eight matches, averaging 11.36 with an economy rate of 8.06. In the final T20I, after losing the toss, India posted a score of 231/5 in their 20 overs, propelled by opener Sanju Samson's 37 off 22 balls and Abhishek Sharma's 34 off 21. A stellar 105-run partnership between Tilak and Hardik Pandya set the stage for a formidable score. Corbin Bosch was the standout bowler for South Africa, with figures of 2/44.

During the run chase, Quinton de Kock contributed significantly for South Africa with a brisk 65 off 35 balls; however, following Varun's dismissal of Reeza Hendricks, wickets fell rapidly. Ultimately, South Africa could only reach 201/8, resulting in a loss by 30 runs. Jasprit Bumrah also made a noteworthy contribution, taking 2/17, alongside Arshdeep Singh, who added another wicket. Hardik Pandya was honored as 'Player of the Match' for his all-round capabilities.

Varun Chakravarthy’s remarkable bowling year positions him as an integral spinner for the Indian T20 setup, showcasing his ability to outwit batsmen with his enigmatic deliveries.