Home
Before becoming the mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy was a fast bowler. Chakravarthy switched to spin bowling due to a knee injury but the aggression of a fast bowler stayed with him. In India's Champions Trophy 2025 final run chase, Chakravarthy was seen holding the ball in the dressing room. When Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning shot, Chakravarthy erupted in celebration and threw the ball on the floor of the dressing room at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9.
As Chakravarthy threw the ball, it bounced and touched the ceiling of the balcony. Member of India's support staff, sidearm speciallist Raghavendra Dwivedi aka Raghu tried to evade an injury by turning to the side of the door.
Chakravarthy was exceptional in the final. He drew first blood for India by dismissing opener Varun Chakravarthy in his second over. In the middle overs, he got the crucial wicket of Glenn Phillips. The middle-order batter missed the length and got bowled. The mystery spinner conceded 45 runs in his quota of 10 overs.
Chakravarthy was a late addition to India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad. He made his ODI debut in the series against England after taking two fifers in the five-T20I series. He replaced Harshit Rana in the playing XI in India's third group stage clash against New Zealand where he claimed a record-breaking fifer. Skipper Rohit Sharma persisted with the spin quartet and struck twice in the semifinal against Australia. He got the prized wicket of Travis Head and lower order batter Ben Dwarshuis.
After the win, Chakravarthy was asked by the broadcaster whether he will be sporting earrings like Shreyas Iyer to which he replied, "I do have earrings like Shreyas Iyer (on having earrings), I'll get a new one though."
ALSO READ: Sri Lanka cricketer arrested for alleged assault on neighbour over parking-related issue
Chakravarthy revealed he was surprised by his inclusion in the side in group stages. He also said that he had to be disciplined in the final as they was not much turn in the first innings.
"It was a sudden inclusion, I didn't expect it to turn out like this, it's a dream come true. The spin was less in the first innings and we had to be very disciplined and stick to the stumps," the 33-year-old said.
