In a stellar showing, Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy concluded 2025 as the top wicket-taker among Test-playing nations in T20Is. The 34-year-old mystery spinner shone brightly in Ahmedabad during the fifth and final T20I against South Africa, capturing four wickets for 53 runs in four overs. His impressive tally for the series stood at 10 wickets, with an average of 11.20 and an economy rate of 7.46, leading to his recognition as the 'Player of the Series'.
This year, Varun played in 20 matches and 18 innings, amassing 36 wickets with an average of 13.19 and an economy of 7.08. His standout performance featured figures of 5/24, which included a five-wicket haul and four additional four-wicket performances. He tied with Pakistan's Mohammed Nawaz for the year’s most wickets from a bowler representing a playing nation, making him India’s second-highest T20I wicket-taker in a calendar year, second only to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 37 wickets in 2022.
Varun excelled against South Africa, claiming 22 wickets in eight matches at an average of 11.36 and an economy of 8.06. In the concluding T20I, India batted first after the toss fell against them. Openers Sanju Samson (37 runs off 22 balls) and Abhishek Sharma (34 off 21 balls) set a vigorous tone with a 63-run partnership. Following this, Tilak and Hardik Pandya consolidated a whopping 105-run partnership for the fourth wicket, propelling India to a total of 231/5 in their allotted overs. Corbin Bosch emerged as South Africa's best bowler with figures of 2/44.
During South Africa’s chase, Quinton de Kock managed to score 65 off 35 balls, but following Varun's dismissal of Reeza Hendricks, wickets began to tumble. South Africa ultimately reached only 201/8 in 20 overs, losing by 30 runs. Jasprit Bumrah shone with his bowling, taking 2/17, while Arshdeep Singh secured another wicket. Hardik Pandya was named the 'Player of the Match' for his stellar all-around contribution.
Varun Chakravarthy’s outstanding performance throughout the year has secured his position as a vital spinner for India in T20 cricket, showcasing his talent in confounding batsmen with his mystery deliveries.
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