Varun Chakravarthy Vinod, born on August 29, 1991, in Bidar, Karnataka, has risen to prominence as an exceptional Indian leg-spin bowler. Representing Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Varun's journey is an inspiring tale of passion and perseverance.
Early Life and Education
Varun completed his schooling in Chennai, attending Kendriya Vidyalaya CLRI and St. Patrick's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School. He pursued a bachelor's degree in architecture from SRM University. At the age of 25, he made the bold decision to leave his job as an architect and chase his dream of becoming a professional cricketer.
Domestic Career
Varun's breakthrough came in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he made his List A debut for Tamil Nadu. His remarkable performance, taking 22 wickets in nine matches, caught the attention of the Kings XI Punjab, who signed him for ₹8.4 crores in the 2019 IPL auction. He made his T20 debut for Kings XI Punjab on March 27, 2019.
In the 2020 IPL auction, Varun was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders, becoming an integral part of their squad. He made headlines on October 24, 2020, when he took his first five-wicket haul in the IPL, with figures of 5 wickets for 20 runs against the Delhi Capitals.
International Career
Varun made his international debut for India in July 2021 during the T20I series against Sri Lanka. His consistent performances have cemented his place in the Indian T20I team. One of his career highlights includes achieving his best bowling figures of 5/17 against England in January 2025.
Playing Style and Achievements
Varun is renowned for his diverse range of bowling variations, including leg-break, googly, carrom ball, slider, flipper, and topspinner. His ability to deceive batsmen with these variations has made him one of the most effective spinners in T20 cricket. Varun has also represented India in major tournaments, including the T20 World Cup.
Personal Life
Unmarried, Varun enjoys traveling and listening to music in his leisure time. He admires cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin and has a fondness for Snickers chocolate bars.
Varun Chakravarthy's transformation from an architect to a key figure in India's T20I cricket team underscores his dedication and hard work. His unique bowling style and relentless performances continue to make him a valuable asset and a rising star in international cricket.