At 34, when most cricketers are contemplating retirement, Varun Chakaravarthy has just reached the summit of his career. The Tamil Nadu spinner has achieved what seemed impossible just four years ago—becoming the world’s No.1 T20I bowler in the ICC rankings, a remarkable redemption story that deserves to be celebrated.
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The Numbers That Tell an Incredible Story
Chakaravarthy’s rise to the top has been nothing short of spectacular. His miserly spells in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 have catapulted him three places up the ICC T20I bowling rankings, with a career-high rating of 733 points—the same number that marks his historic achievement against Pakistan in Dubai.
ICC T20I Bowling Rankings – Top 5
| Rank | Player | Team | Rating | Previous Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Varun Chakaravarthy | India | 733 | 4th (↑3) |
| 2 | Jacob Duffy | New Zealand | 717 | 1st (↓1) |
| 3 | Akeal Hosein | West Indies | 707 | 3rd (→) |
| 4 | Adam Zampa | Australia | 700 | 5th (↑1) |
| 5 | Adil Rashid | England | 696 | 6th (↑1) |
The Journey: From 2021 Heartbreak to 2025 Glory
Remember the 2021 T20 World Cup? Chakaravarthy was one of the most criticized players as India crashed out early. The mystery spinner, who had shown such promise in the IPL, looked ordinary on the big stage. The trolls were merciless, and many wrote him off as a flat-track bully.
But champions are made of different stuff. Instead of retreating, Chakaravarthy went back to the drawing board, reinvented his craft, and returned as a more complete bowler.
Asia Cup 2025: The Numbers Speak Louder Than Words
The mystery spinner’s recent performances have been nothing short of sensational:
- vs UAE: 1/4 in 2 overs (Economy: 2.00)
- vs Pakistan: 1/24 in 4 overs (Economy: 6.00)
- Overall 2024: 17 wickets in 7 games at an incredible average of 12.41
These figures showcase not just skill but consistency—the hallmark of a world-class bowler.
Elite Company: Third Indian to Reach the Summit
Chakaravarthy joins an exclusive club, becoming only the third Indian to top the ICC T20I bowling rankings after Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi. This achievement is particularly sweet considering his journey through doubt, criticism, and eventual resurrection.
Arshdeep Singh’s Slide: A Reminder of Cricket’s Fickle Nature
While Chakaravarthy celebrates, Arshdeep Singh’s drop from 9th to 14th serves as a stark reminder of cricket’s unforgiving nature. The left-arm pacer, stranded on 99 T20I wickets, hasn’t featured in India’s Asia Cup campaign, highlighting how quickly fortunes can change in international cricket.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Bowling Dominance
With Chakaravarthy at No.1 and fellow Indians Ravi Bishnoi (8th), Axar Patel (12th), and others in the top rankings, India’s spin bowling depth in T20Is looks formidable. The country that invented spin bowling continues to produce world-beaters in the shortest format.
What Makes Chakaravarthy Special?
At an age when most spinners lose their mystery, Chakaravarthy has enhanced his. His variations have become more subtle, his control tighter, and his understanding of conditions sharper. The carrom ball that once seemed predictable now comes with multiple variations that bamboozle even the best batsmen.
Bottom Line: Varun Chakaravarthy’s rise to No.1 is more than just a ranking—it’s a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the refusal to give up. At 34, he’s proved that age is just a number when talent meets determination. As India eyes the Asia Cup title and beyond, they know they have a world-class weapon who has learned to turn adversity into advantage. From being ridiculed in 2021 to ruling the world in 2025, Chakaravarthy’s story is cricket’s ultimate comeback tale.
Stay updated with the latest cricket rankings and player performances at TechnoSports. Follow our comprehensive coverage of Asia Cup 2025.
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