Varun Chakravarthy Domestic Career: His Rise from TNPL to Indian Cricket
Varun Chakravarthy Domestic Career
Varun Chakravarthy’s domestic career is a remarkable journey of perseverance and skill. Known for his mystery spin, he transitioned from being a club cricketer to a Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) star, ultimately making a name for himself in Indian domestic cricket.
Unlike most cricketers who start young, Chakravarthy took an unconventional route. He initially worked as an architect, but his passion for cricket led him back to the sport at the age of 25. He transformed himself into a mystery spinner and soon caught the attention of Tamil Nadu selectors.
Early Days in Domestic Cricket
- Initially played club cricket in Tamil Nadu and was a wicketkeeper-batsman before switching to spin bowling.
- Excelled in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), where he impressed with his ability to bowl seven different variations.
- His performances in TNPL helped him earn a place in Tamil Nadu’s domestic squad.
List A and First-Class Cricket Debut
- Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018-19:
- Picked 22 wickets in 9 matches, finishing as Tamil Nadu’s top wicket-taker.
- Recorded best figures of 5/17 against Gujarat, making headlines across Indian cricket circles.
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy:
- Proved to be a T20 specialist with an impressive economy rate, often restricting batsmen with his variations.
- Ranji Trophy:
- Played only one first-class match, choosing to focus on white-ball cricket, where his skills were more impactful.
Rise to IPL and Beyond
Varun Chakravarthy’s domestic career paved the way for an IPL debut in 2019, when Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) picked him for ₹8.4 crore. However, he played only one match due to an injury.
His breakthrough came in IPL 2020, when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signed him. He finished as KKR’s highest wicket-taker, with a standout 5-wicket haul against Delhi Capitals. His consistency in the IPL led to a call-up to the Indian national team in T20Is.
Conclusion
Varun Chakravarthy’s domestic career proves that late bloomers can achieve success in cricket with hard work and determination. From playing club cricket to becoming one of India’s top T20 spinners, his journey is an inspiration for young cricketers who believe in following their dreams.
