Varun Chakravarthy is one of India’s most talked-about leg-spin bowlers. He took fans by surprise with his unique style and became an IPL star. Today, in 2025, he also became a key member of Team India. Let’s dive into his life—early days, family, career, controversies, and what shaped him into the man he is.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Varun Chakravarthy Vinod |
| Nickname | Mystery Spinner |
| Date of Birth | August 29, 1991 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 33 years |
| Birthplace | Bidar, Karnataka, India |
| Hometown | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (approx. 175 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg (approx.) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Profession | Cricketer (Right-arm leg break, mystery spinner) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg break, googly, carrom ball |
| Role in Team | Bowler |
| Domestic Team | Tamil Nadu |
| IPL Team 2025 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| IPL Debut | 2019 (Kings XI Punjab) |
| International Debut | T20I: 25 July 2021 vs. Sri Lanka; ODI: 9 Feb 2025 vs. England |
| Father’s Name | Vinod Chakravarthy |
| Mother’s Name | Malini Chakravarthy |
| Siblings | One sister – Vanditha |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife’s Name | Neha Khedekar |
| Children | None (as of 2025) |
| Education | B.Arch from SRM University |
| Previous Profession | Architect |
| Hobbies | Watching movies, mentoring kids, traveling |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approx. ₹45 Crores INR |
| Controversy | No major controversies |
| Major Awards | IPL 5-wicket haul, ICC Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament (2025) |
| Known For | Mystery spin, unique variations, late career start |
| Social Media | Instagram: @varunchakravarthy |
Growing Up in Two Worlds
Varun Chakaravarthy Vinod was born on 29 August 1991 in Bidar, Karnataka. His dad, Vinod Chakravarthy, worked with BSNL, and his mother, Malini, is a homemaker. He has a sister named Vanditha.
Soon, Varun moved to Chennai, Tamil Nadu. There, he studied at Kendriya Vidyalaya and St. Patrick’s School. He even played as a wicket-keeper before shifting to architecture studies at SRM University.
From Architect to Spinner
After graduating, Varun took a job as an architect. But at age 25, a knee injury in 2017 changed everything. He stopped pace bowling and learned wrist spin. He bowled seven types of deliveries: leg break, googly, carrom, top-spinner, slider, flipper, and off-break.
Domestic Glory and IPL Breakthrough
In 2018, Varun made a big splash in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), taking nine wickets and dot balls galore. He debuted for Tamil Nadu in List A and Ranji Trophy that same season.
At the 2019 IPL auction, Kings XI Punjab bought him for ₹8.4 crore. Though he only played one match, his style got people talking.
In 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) picked him up for ₹4 crore. That year, he took 17 wickets. In 2021, he grabbed 18. In 2024, he became the second-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets.
By 2025, KKR paid him ₹12 crore. His IPL career shows 84 matches, 100 wickets, best bowling of 5/20.
International Rise with Team India
Varun first joined the India squad in October 2020, but an injury kept him out. He finally debuted in T20I on 25 July 2021 vs Sri Lanka. He made his ODI debut on 9 February 2025 vs England at 33 years and 164 days—the second-oldest debutant ever.
In late 2024, he took a 5-wicket haul (5/17) in South Africa, then 5/24 vs England in early 2025—earning 14 wickets in that T20I series.
At the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, he took 5/42 vs New Zealand and finished with 9 wickets in 3 matches, helping India win the title. He made the ICC Team of the Tournament .
Physical Profile & Playing Style
- Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
- Weight: ~70 kg (154 lbs)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm leg break & googly
He mixes pace, flight, and spin. Commentators call him a “mystery spinner”—a term earned by his unorthodox action and varied arsenal .
Family & Personal Life
Varun is married to his longtime girlfriend, Neha Khedekar, since 11 December 2020 in Chennai. As of now, they don’t have kids.
He once worked as a junior artist in the Tamil film Jeeva (2014), earning ₹600 a day.
Income, Endorsements & Lifestyle
- IPL income: ₹8.4 Cr (2019), ₹4 Cr (2020), ₹8 Cr (2022–2023), ₹12 Cr (2023–2025)
- Net worth: ₹45 Cr (₹25–45 Cr per estimates)
- Endorsements: Brands include ASICS India, SS (bats), and Loco
- Cars & Home: Owns luxury cars and a Chennai residence
Controversy? Not Much!
Varun keeps a clean image. The only hiccups were injuries—no scandals or off-field drama.
Awards & Achievements
- TNPL 2018: Star spinner
- IPL: 5-wicket hauls, key wicket-taker seasons
- International: Two T20I five-fors, Champions Trophy win & Team of Tournament
- Domestic: Leading wicket-taker in Vijay Hazare 2018–19 (22 wickets)
2025 and Beyond
In 2025, Varun firmly holds his spot on Team India. He keeps performing in T20I and ODI formats. He’s expected to play big in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Off the field, he mentors young spinners in Tamil Nadu and wants to boost cricket training in Karnataka.
