Varun Chakaravarthy, India’s mystery leg-spinner, has achieved a career milestone by rising to the top of the ICC Men’s T20I bowling rankings. He delivered impactful spells in the Asia Cup 2025, showcasing his consistency and accuracy. Against UAE, he produced remarkable figures of 1 for 4 in two overs, followed by a disciplined 1 for 24 in four overs against Pakistan.

His sharp performances have not only helped India dominate but also earned him recognition as the new No. 1 T20I bowler in the world. With this, Chakaravarthy becomes only the third Indian to reach the top spot in the ICC rankings, following Jasprit Bumrah and fellow leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi.

Chakaravarthy overtook New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, who had been holding the No. 1 position since March. His rise underlines India’s growing bowling strength in the shortest format and highlights his role as a key weapon in T20 cricket.

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Varun Chakaravarthy vs Wanindu Hasaranga – Statistical Comparison:

Since returning to international cricket last October, the Tamil Nadu leg-spinner has impressed with consistent performances, playing 20 T20Is. Following his rise to the No.1 spot in T20I rankings, here’s a look at how his numbers stack up against Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga’s stats at a similar point in his career.

• Varun Chakaravarthy vs Wanindu Hasaranga – Comparing wickets and averages after 20 T20Is

In his first 20 T20Is, Varun Chakaravarthy has taken 35 wickets at an impressive average of 14.54. His best success has come against England, claiming 14 wickets in five matches at just 9.85. He has also troubled South Africa, picking up 12 scalps in four games at 11.50, along with five wickets in three outings against Bangladesh at 14.60.

Wanindu Hasaranga, at the same stage, had 28 wickets at an average of 15.64. He was most effective against West Indies, bagging nine wickets in five games at 8.33, while against Pakistan, he struck eight times in three matches at 9.87. Additionally, he managed five wickets in four games against India and four in three against New Zealand.

• Varun Chakaravarthy vs Wanindu Hasaranga – Which spinner maintained lower economy after 20 T20Is?

In his first 20 T20I outings, Varun Chakaravarthy maintained an economy rate of 6.83. Against England, he conceded at 7.66 across five matches, while against South Africa, he went for 8.62 in four games. He was far more economical against Sri Lanka, giving away runs at just 5.30 in three innings, and against Pakistan, he registered 7.12 across two matches.

By comparison, Wanindu Hasaranga recorded a slightly better economy of 6.77 after his initial 20 T20Is. Against England, he bowled with an economy of 6.72 across three games, while against India, it was 7.08 in four outings. He also managed 6.72 against New Zealand and 6.58 against Pakistan, both in three matches each.

• Varun Chakaravarthy vs Wanindu Hasaranga – Five-Wicket Hauls After 20 T20Is

After 20 T20Is, Varun Chakaravarthy has already achieved two five-wicket hauls. His standout spells include 5-17 against South Africa at Gqeberha in November 2024 and 5-24 versus England in Rajkot in January 2025. Alongside these, he also picked up 3-25 against South Africa in Durban and 3-23 against England in Kolkata, underlining his consistency against top teams.

Wanindu Hasaranga, on the other hand, did not record any four or five-wicket hauls in his first 20 T20Is. His best bowling figures during this phase were 3-12 against West Indies at Coolidge in March 2021. He also produced notable performances of 3-17 in the same series and 3-21 and 3-38 against Pakistan in Lahore in October 2019.

• Varun Chakaravarthy vs Wanindu Hasaranga – Better Match-Winning Record After 20 T20Is?

Varun Chakaravarthy has played in 14 T20I victories for India. In these wins, he picked up 24 wickets at an average of 15.79 and maintained an economy rate of 7.43, with his best figures being 3-23. Interestingly, both of his five-wicket hauls came in matches that India lost. In the six defeats, Chakaravarthy still managed 11 wickets at an average of 11.81 and an economy of 5.53.

In contrast, Wanindu Hasaranga featured in only five wins out of his first 20 T20Is for Sri Lanka. During those victories, he took 12 wickets at an average of 9.00 and an economy rate of 5.68, with best figures of 3-17. In 14 losses, Hasaranga claimed 16 wickets, and one match ended with no result.