In a story that seems straight out of a Bollywood script, spinner Varun Chakravarthy has completed a stunning transformation. Once dismissed as a "one-season wonder" after the 2021 T20 World Cup, he now stands at the pinnacle of world cricket as the undisputed No. 1 ranked T20I bowler. As India prepares to defend its title at the T20 World Cup in February-March 2026, the 34-year-old has become the most vital component of the team's strategy.
The Statistical Supremacy of a Redemption Arc
Chakravarthy's recent dominance in the T20I series against South Africa propelled him to a career-best ICC rating of 818 points. His lead is monumental, standing at a staggering 119 points ahead of his nearest rival, New Zealand's Jacob Duffy. This achievement places him in elite company, entering the eighth position on the all-time list of best T20I bowling ratings, rubbing shoulders with legends like Umar Gul, Sunil Narine, and Rashid Khan.
This statistical glory is the result of a spectacular comeback. Since his return to the national team in October 2024, Varun has been a revelation. The "mystery" label that once weighed him down has now evolved into pure "mastery." His impact in 2025 has been phenomenal: in just 17 innings, he has taken 32 wickets at an average of 13.18 and an economy rate of 6.69, striking every 11.8 balls.
More Than a Holding Bowler: India's Primary Wicket-Taker
What sets Varun apart is his dual role. He is not just a bowler who restricts runs in the middle overs; he is India's go-to wicket-taker when games are on the line. His match-defining spell of 5 for 24 against England in Rajkot in January is a prime example. The secret to his success lies in controlled, layered variation.
He expertly manipulates pace within a single over, bowling deliveries ranging from under 90 kmph to nearly 110 kmph. His carrom ball, slider, and top-spinner are delivered with near-identical actions, making it extremely hazardous for batters to premeditate. "He has got something different about him… if he gets it right, it's very difficult to read him," former captain Rohit Sharma noted.
The Technical Headache for Opposition Analysts
Varun's value to India's World Cup defense is magnified by the unique technical puzzle he presents. Unlike traditional leg-spinners, he releases both his leg-break and googly from the side of his hand. This biomechanical quirk removes the primary visual cue batters rely on to detect spin direction.
He has added a lethal new weapon: the ability to impart significant over-spin on his googly. This causes the ball to dip sharply and skid off the pitch, often targeting the stumps. A high percentage of his wickets are bowled or LBW, proving he can be effective even on the flat tracks typical of ICC tournaments. Coach Gautam Gambhir calls him a "game-changer" and an "X-factor."
The Indian think-tank, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav and Gambhir, understands his strategic importance. This is why veteran Ravichandran Ashwin recently suggested the team "save" Varun for major matches. The logic is clear: limiting top teams' exposure to his variations in bilateral series will make him even more potent in the high-pressure knockout stages of a World Cup. With Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh managing the powerplay and death overs, Varun Chakravarthy has firmly established himself as the undisputed king of the middle overs—the phase where T20 matches are truly won or lost.
