Varun Chakravarthy surpasses RCB's new recruit, draws level with Pakistan all-rounder to finish as joint-highest T20I wicket-taker in 2025

India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy finished the year 2025 as joint-highest T20I wicket-taker (among full-member nations). Chakravarthy claimed a four-fer in the fifth and final T20I of the series against South Africa to take his tally of T20I wickets to 36 in 2025.

Chakravarthy shares the spot with Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz who claimed 36 wickets from 26 games at an average of 13.61, including a fifer. The left-arm spinner's economy rate is 6.56 runs per over. Chakravarthy took six less games to take 36 wickets at an average of 13.61.

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Chakravarthy surpassed New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy who has 35 wickets from 21 games at just above 15 apiece. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) new recruit claimed three four-fers this year.

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In the fifth T20I against the Proteas at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, he was expensive in his quota of four overs conceding 53 runs. However, he got the wicket of Reeza Hendricks just after the powerplay overs. In the 13th over, he struck twice to dismiss skipper Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira. In his last over, he got the better of George Linde.

Player of the series Chakravarthy

The 34-year-old was named ‘Player of the series’ for taking 10 wickets from four games at an average of 11.20.

“It was a high-intensity match and probably the best game of the series. I really enjoyed it. That’s the role assigned to me; my first option is always to look for wickets. There’s no reason not to. So whenever I get the ball, my mindset is to attack and look to make an impact. I talk to all of them - Surya, Sanju and others. They always encourage me and those conversations really help,” Chakravarthy said in the post-match presentation.

Chakravarthy was asked how he keeps on evolving as a mystery spinner. He dedicated the award to his family.

"Just by constantly evolving. I try to bring something new every series. If it works, great; if not, I go back, work on it and come back stronger. That’s how I keep improving. I would like to dedicate this to my mom, dad, and sister," he added.

Chakravarthy hits a fifty of wickets in 2025

Overall, Chakravarthy claimed 55 wickets from 37 T20s (including the IPL and SMAT 2025) at an average of 18.43. He will be seen in action in the five-T20I series against New Zealand in the five-T20I series starting on January 21.