Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakaravarthy known for his spin bowling, has made significant marks in the most prestigious Indian Premier League, as one of the most expensive players in history.

Varun Chakaravarthy: The Story of Prominent Spin Bowler from Karnataka

Varun Chakaravarthy, born on August 29, 1991, in Bidar, Karnataka, has emerged as a notable figure in the cricketing world.

Known for his right-arm leg break bowling, his unorthodox bowling style, often compared to Sri Lanka mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis.

This article delves into the various facets of Varun Chakaravarthy’s cricket career, encompassing his early days, domestic achievements, international appearances, and his significant impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Early Career

Chakravarthy’s cricket journey began in Chennai, where he attended Kendriya Vidyalaya CLRI and St. Patrick’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School.

Initially starting as a wicket keeper, he later transitioned to medium pace before finally settling as a spin bowler due to a knee injury.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in architecture from SRM University, he made a bold decision at 25 to leave his architect job and pursue cricket professionally.

Domestic Career

Varun’s domestic career took off with the Tamil Nadu cricket team. He made his List A debut in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy on September 20, 2018.

His performance was remarkable, becoming the leading wicket-taker for Tamil Nadu in the tournament with twenty-two dismissals in nine matches. He made his first-class debut in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy on November 12, 2018.

IPL Career

Varun Chakaravarthy’s IPL career has been marked by significant achievements and steady growth since his debut with Kings XI Punjab in 2019.

He was later acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 12.00 Cr in the IPL Auction 2023, reflecting his importance to the team.

In the IPL, Chakravarthy has played a total of 56 matches, taking 62 wickets with an average of 25.81 and an economy rate of 7.45.

His best bowling figures in the IPL are 5 wickets for 20 runs, achieved in a match against Delhi Capitals. This performance highlights his ability to impact games significantly.

Chakravarthy’s journey with KKR has been notable, especially in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, where he claimed 17 and 18 wickets, respectively.

However, his performances in the 2022 season were not as effective, leading to him being dropped from the playing XI due to his higher economy rate and fewer wickets taken.

Despite the challenges, Chakravarthy continues to be an integral part of the KKR setup and has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket.

He has taken 36 List A wickets in just 15 matches at an average of 14.19 and has 77 scalps in his overall T20 career with an economy rate of 7.19.

Chakravarthy’s recent performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2023, where he took 5 wickets for 9 runs against Nagaland, underscores his skill and potential.

This performance is part of his comeback trail for the India cap, showcasing his quality as a key match-winner for Tamil Nadu and a valuable asset for KKR in the IPL.

International Career

Chakravarthy’s international debut for the India cricket team came in a T20I against Sri Lanka on July 25, 2021. Although his international appearances have been limited, he has shown potential in the T20 format. He was also named in India’s squad for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Career Across Formats

While Chakravarthy’s exposure in Test and ODI formats has been limited, his T20 career, both domestically and internationally, has been impressive. His ability to bowl economically and take crucial wickets has made him a valuable player in the shortest format of the game.

Varun Chakaravarthy: A Glimpse into His Family Background

Varun Chakaravarthy, the renowned Indian cricketer, has made a name for himself in the cricketing world with his exceptional performances.

However, behind his success lies the unwavering support and encouragement of his family. This article delves into the family background of Varun Chakaravarthy, exploring the roots that have shaped his journey.

Parents and Early Support

Varun comes from a family with a medical background. His father, Dr. Vinod Chakravarthy, is a retired civil surgeon, while his mother, Dr. Malini Chakravarthy, is a retired government district medical officer.

His grandfather, Dr. Somaiah, was a renowned doctor and freedom fighter. This lineage of doctors in his family highlights a diverse background, contrasting with Varun’s cricketing career.

Varun’s parents have been his pillars of strength throughout his cricketing career. Initially apprehensive about his decision to quit his job as an architect to pursue cricket, they eventually became his most prominent supporters.

Varun credits his parents for his success, acknowledging their role in helping him overcome obstacles and achieve his goals.

Sibling

Varun has a sister named Vanditha Chakravarthy, who has maintained a low profile away from the media spotlight.

Marriage and Personal Life

Varun Chakaravarthy’s personal life, particularly his marriage, has been a subject of interest for many.

He tied the knot with his long-time partner, Neha Khedekar, in a private ceremony held in Chennai on December 11, 2020.

Neha, believed to be a professional dancer and choreographer, has preferred to stay out of the limelight. The couple’s wedding was a close-knit affair, attended only by close friends and family members.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s Net Worth: A Comprehensive Overview

Varun Chakaravarthy, the Indian cricketer known for his spin bowling, has made significant strides in his cricketing career, which is reflected in his net worth and financial achievements.

This article provides a detailed look into Varun Chakaravarthy’s net worth, including his earnings from cricket, endorsements, assets, and other financial aspects.

Net Worth and Earnings

Varun Chakaravarthy’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, which is approximately 23 crores in Indian Rupees.

His primary source of income is his career as a professional cricketer, playing domestically and in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Additionally, he has earned through various endorsements and wise investments.

IPL Earnings

Varun’s IPL journey has been quite lucrative. He was bought by Kings XI Punjab for Rs. 8.40 crore in 2019.

In the following seasons, he represented Kolkata Knight Riders, earning Rs. 4 crores in 2020 and 2021, and was retained for Rs. 8 crores in 2022.

His total earnings from the IPL amount to approximately Rs. 24.40 crores.

Endorsements

Apart from his cricketing income, Chakravarthy has also earned money through brand endorsements. He has endorsed companies such as Loco and Asics, and cricket gear brands like RNS, Colexion NFT, and Vision11.

Assets: Cars and House

Varun Chakaravarthy is a car enthusiast and owns a few luxury cars, including an Audi Q3, BMW X1, a Lamborghini Huracan, and a Range Rover.

He also owns a well-furnished home in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where he lives with his family. The house is spacious, with a parking facility and a lawn, reflecting his lavish lifestyle.

Controversies Involving Varun Chakaravarthy

Varun Chakaravarthy, the Indian cricketer known for his spin bowling, has faced a couple of controversies, particularly regarding his fitness levels.

These incidents have raised questions about his selection in the national team and his overall fitness standards. Let’s delve into the details of these controversies, arranged from the newest to the older incidents.

Failed Fitness Test Before England T20 Series (2021)

In 2021, Varun Chakaravarthy failed to clear fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, which ruled him out of the T20 series against England.

This failure raised significant concerns, as he had not played any competitive game for Tamil Nadu since October of the previous year. The failure to pass the YoYo test, a stipulated 2km run, was particularly notable.

This incident led to questions about why the selection committee, led by Chetan Sharma, chose a player who hadn’t participated in competitive matches for an extended period and had known fitness issues.

In a related incident in 2021, Varun was initially asked to fly to Ahmedabad for another round of fitness tests but was later redirected to Bangalore for a rehab course at the NCA.

This change in plans came after he was released from the NCA with permission to practice with his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, in Mumbai. T

he BCCI’s decision to recall him to the NCA for further fitness work highlighted ongoing concerns about Varun Chakaravarthy physical readiness for international cricket.