While the fifth and final game of the India vs South Africa T20I series at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was running on the wire in the high-scoring encounter, Varun Chakravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah strongly put the hosts in control. After Bumrah and Hardik Pandya dismissed two set Proteas batters Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis, Varun then took charge of the game by taking two back-to-back wickets, as the hosts then controlled the game completely. 

It was the 13th over when Varun Chakravarthy brought his magic with two wickets in consecutive deliveries. While Varun delivered his first over in the seventh over of the innings, he provided India's first breakthrough by dismissing opener Reeza Hendricks (13) and conceded only three runs. However, in his next over, the leggie conceded 23 runs, including two sixes and two fours. 

Watch: Tilak-Hardik smash 27 runs in George Linde's final over in IND vs SA 5th T20I

Varun Chakravarthy took two back-to-back wickets

Varun returned in the 13th over, where he conceded a four to Aiden Markram on the second delivery. However, on the next delivery, he dismissed Markram (6) through an lbw, as he had an unsuccessful paddle attempt. While Markram went for a review to challenge the on-field umpire's decision, he had no luck as the impact was umpire's call, and the out decision stayed.  

On the next ball, Varun bowled Donovan Ferreira with a beautiful delivery. That put India under control, as South Africa were struggling at 135/5 in the chase of 232 runs. 

THE X FACTOR INDIA - VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY...!!! 😍💪 pic.twitter.com/OQqYwMmgu1

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 19, 2025

Varun Chakravarthy took four wickets

George Linde defended the hat-trick ball, and Varun dismissed him in his next over, as the Indian leg-spinner had the bowling figures of 4-0-53-4. 

India spinner Varun Chakravarthy has etched his name into the history books by becoming the highest-rated Indian bowler in ICC Men’s T20I rankings. In the latest update released on Wednesday, December 17, Chakravarthy retained the No.1 spot with a career-best rating of 818 points, surpassing Jasprit Bumrah’s long-standing Indian record.

Bumrah previously held the benchmark with a rating of 783, achieved in February 2017 after his sensational 3/14 against England. Varun has now comfortably gone past that mark, underlining his rise as one of the most dominant bowlers in modern T20 cricket.

Highest Bowler Ratings in Men’s T20Is

Chakravarthy first climbed to the top spot during the Asia Cup 2025 and has shown remarkable consistency since then. In the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, he has taken six wickets in three matches, including an excellent spell of 2/11 in four overs at Dharamsala, helping India take a 2-1 series lead.

The mystery spinner currently enjoys a massive 119-point lead over second-placed Jacob Duffy of New Zealand. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh has also made gains, moving up four places to 16th in the bowling rankings.

India continue to dominate the batting charts as well. Abhishek Sharma remains the No.1 T20I batter with 909 points, while Tilak Varma has climbed to fourth after a consistent series. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has slipped to tenth and will be eager to rediscover form in the fourth T20I at Lucknow.

Varun’s journey makes his achievement even more special. Dropped after a disappointing 2021 T20 World Cup, he reinvented himself through relentless work. With 51 wickets in 32 T20Is and an economy of 6.75, Chakravarthy now stands as India’s biggest weapon heading into the T20 World Cup 2026 on home soil.

The no.1-ranked T20I bowler, Indian leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy, produced another brilliant bowling performance during the Dharamsala T20I against South Africa. In that match, he completed his 50th T20I wicket, as he became one of the fastest Indian bowlers to complete 50 T20I wickets. 

While South Africa were bundled out for only 117 runs in 20 overs in the third T20I of the five-match series after losing the toss, Varun Chakravarthy was the best Indian bowler with the bowling figures of 4-0-11-2, as he delivered 14 dots and didn't concede a single boundary in the game. 

See Also: List of players to pick 100 international wickets for India in T20Is ft Hardik Pandya

Varun Chakravarthy became second fastest Indian to complete 50 T20I wickets

In the match, Varun took the wickets of two dangerous Proteas batters, Donovan Ferreira (20) and Marco Jansen (2), as both were bowled. None of the South African batters had any clue how to handle Varun at Dharamsala. 

Varun's first victim of the match was Donovan Ferreira, who recently got lucky, as Arshdeep Singh dropped him at long on in the 13th over. However, in the next over, Varun bowled Donovan, as the Proteas batter went for a big shot, but the Indian spinner comfortably beat him with the ball. It was Varun's 50th T20I wicket, as he completed it in his 32nd T20I. 

Varun became the second fastest Indian to complete 50 T20I wickets. The left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav holds the record for the fastest Indian to complete 50 T20I wickets, as he achieved it in 30 innings. 

Among the Indian pacers, Arshdeep Singh holds the record for the fastest 50 T20I wickets, as the left-arm pacer completed it in 33 innings. 

Among the top five fastest Indian bowlers to complete 50 T20I wickets, the other two names are also spinners, as Ravi Bishnoi and Yuzvendra Chahal completed this feat in 33 and 34 T20I innings, respectively. 

Fastest 50 T20I wickets by Indians (number of innings)

India takes the lead by defeating the home team, Australia, in the 4th match (AUS vs IND 4th T20I) of the 5-match T20I series. Australia bowled according to their plan, but it was their batting department that let them down—let them down in a poor manner.

Against India's first innings of 167 runs, Australia could score only 119, losing all of their wickets in 18.2. As a senior player and match winner, Glenn Maxwell was in their lineup, but he too remained ineffective because of the ace spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Chakravarthy took the ball away from the right-handed batter to disturb the bails. The red light installed in bail started to blink; Maxwell had to depart. He faced only 4 balls and scored a couple runs before heading back to the pavilion.

Unlike their middle and lower-middle order, the opening pair of the home team did pretty well against the competitive target. Captain Mitchell Marsh and Matt Short scored 30 and 25 runs, respectively. The surface of the Heritage Bank Stadium was a little bit on the slower side.

Read More: WATCH: PM Narendra Modi surprise to hear this question from Women's World Cup 2025 winning team India star Harleen Deol

Varun Chakravarthy clean bowled Glenn Maxwell 

When India was batting in the first innings, the Australian bowlers were applying slower balls to unsettle the batters. Nathan Ellis tried to control Team India's run rate by producing outside-off deliveries. Varun did the same against Maxwell. Maxwell stepped out of the crease to hit the ball hard. By the time the bowler anticipated the move in advance and offered the batter a wider delivery. Maxwell missed the ball; the ball hit the stumps. In his 4-over quota, Chakravarthy took one wicket at an economy rate of 6.50. 

Glen maxwell was dismissed by Varun pic.twitter.com/VicbLGdLNj

— SECONDSELF (@itzsecondself) November 6, 2025

The fifth match, which is the last of the tour, will decide the fate of the 5-match T20I series. If India wins, they will win the contest by 3-1, and if Australia wins, then the series will be ended in a balance with a 2-2 scoreline. The next match is scheduled to be held on November 8 at The Gabba. 

India’s mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, experienced an incredible time with the ball in the last few years, especially in the shortest format. He was incredible with the ball in the middle overs and the powerplay for the national side in the shortest format of the game. In 24 innings, he has collected 40 wickets at an average of 15.60 and an economy rate of under seven.

The Indian spinner looked back at the time when Abhishek Nayar, with contributions from Dinesh Karthik, brough him back the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. The latter also called him to come Mumbai and go through a session for three continuous months.

See Also: "Gary and MS made it..."- Virat Kohli recalls advice from World Cup-winning captain and coach amid retirement speculation

“We are looking to pick, and he (Abhishek Nayar) told me. Obviously, DK (Dinesh Karthik) had a huge role in that. They are the ones who brought me back to KKR. The day after the auction, Nayar called me and asked me to come in Mumbai. He got me a room next to his house. So, me, Rahul Tripathi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Nikhil Naik, and Prasidh Krishna used to live in a small apartment.”

Watch: Varun Chakvarthy reveals Abhishek Nayar’s contribution in his comeback to cricket

The Tamil Nadu spinner played a massive role for Kolkata in the last three years. Since the start of IPL 2022, he has picked up 58 wickets in 42 innings at an average of around 20 and an economy rate of nearly eight with the best figures of 4/15.

Varun chakravarthy on Abhishek Nayar 💜 pic.twitter.com/2yfWhPbQmN

— Ashish Shrivastava (@ashishayush1177) October 16, 2025

“We had to do all of our staffs day in and out for three months non-stop. In the morning, we had gym, and in the evening, we had to make dinner. Nayar also made us doing the Bollywood dance. He told me that we hadn’t have any movement. I think what he had in his mind was to be around the cricketers and know how they work.” The Karnataka-born addressed.

“Then I saw how Tripathi, Nagarkoti, and other used to wake up in the morning and go to gym. That was when I realized that there was some method to all this madness. I can’t sustain my career if I am not into this. There were sessions when he used us to visualize what would I say if I get the player of the match award.” Varun Chakravarthy shed light.

Varun Chakravarthy's selection into the Champions Trophy 2025 squad was a surprising move by the team management. By the time of the squad announcement, the spinner had no experience playing in the One Day International format. Then how did he make his way into the team? 

Months after winning the prestigious tournament, Chakravarthy revealed the surprising selection. During the CEAT Cricket Awards ceremony in Mumbai, he said that it was Rohit Sharma, then the ODI captain of India, who recognized him for the 50-over tournament. On the stage of the program, the 34-year-old especially thanked the former captain for showing trust in him for the crucial assignment. 

"I didn't expect to be in the Champions Trophy squad, but thanks to Rohit Bhai (Rohit Sharma) and the coaching staff," Varun Chakravarthy said during the CEAT Cricket Awards ceremony. 

Read More: [WATCH] 'Even if You Want Me to Bat at ...' - Sanju Samson opens up on his dedication to Indian T20I team ahead of Australia tour

Varun Chakravarthy played a crucial for India in Champions Trophy 2025

Behind the successful campaign in Champions Trophy 2025, the spinner played a pivotal role by taking 9 wickets in only three matches. Varun played his first match of the tournament against New Zealand during the group stage. In that game, he picked up a 5-for at the Dubai International Stadium. 

Varun Chakravarthy: I didn’t expect to be included in the Champions Trophy squad, but thanks to Rohit bhai and other people for believing in me. 🙌🏻

pic.twitter.com/yBCE1umHmR

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) October 8, 2025

The other two matches were more important for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner, as they were the semifinal and the final. India faced Australia and New Zealand, respectively, and Varun claimed a brace in each match. With those 9 wickets in 3 matches, he finished the tournament as the joint highest wicket-taker for team India. So far, in 4 ODIs, he took 10 wickets at an economy rate of 4.75. In T20Is, the Tamil Nadu-born has bagged 40 scalps in 24 matches at a brilliant economy rate of 6.89. 

India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, won the toss and decided to bowl first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium during the final of the Asia Cup 2025. They didn’t have Hardik Pandya for the clash as he couldn’t recover in time.

Despite the 84-run opening stand between half-century Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s middle order didn’t get enough runs on the board. Apart from the top three, none of the batters got their scores into double figures.

See Also: [WATCH] Shaheen Afridi's brilliant catch sends back Shubman Gill during IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final

In reply, India completed the successful chase by five wickets with two balls to spare. Tilak Verma remained unbeaten on 69 runs in 53 balls with the help of three fours and four sixes, while Shivam Dube grabbed 33 runs in 22 balls.

Know what Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, and others said after winning Asia Cup 2025 final

Rinku Singh- Nothing else matters. This one ball matters. One was needed. I hit it for a four. Everyone knows I am a finisher. The team won, and I am thrilled.

Sanju Samson- Not played many Ind-Pakistan games, but the pressure was there. I had to use my experience, calm my nerves, watch the ball, and react. The game dictates what type of cricket you need to play. I was looking to time the ball, and that’s what helped me.

Shubman Gill: It was amazing, as for the whole tournament, we remained unbeaten. It feels amazing to be in the position. The conversation was to take the game as deep as possible. The target was not much, but it was important to soak up the pressure. Losing three wickets early is never easy. But the partnership with Sanju and Tilak, and the Dube hit those sixes, it was important.

Varun Chakravarthy- At the time, I was going for wickets, Fakhar and Farhan were going well. I had done some panning, but it worked out in a way. Kuldeep came in and finished it. That gave me memories of KKR winning. If you see the trend, in the first ten overs, everyone is going berserk.

Kuldeep Yadav- We, the spinners, are playing together, and it’s a luxury to have. Everyone had a different role. They started well. After 10-11 overs, they were 100-1. We knew if we could get a couple of wickets, then it was not going to be easy for the new batters to come in and score runs. Big thanks to Hari and a masterclass from Tilak.

Morne Morkel- Special performance by the boys tonight. The guys summed up the conditions with the ball. We wanted to get into a good mental space. It was about who would hold their nerve well.

In the Asia Cup 2025 Final, Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman provided a strong start. But the Indian spinners brought the Men in Blues back in the game with superb bowling performances, as they picked up wickets in back-to-back overs. In the crucial 15th over, while the Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman seemed very dangerous, the leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed him bravely. 

Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman put on an 84-run partnership for the first wicket, as Farhan was dismissed in the 10th over after another great half-century. Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy took that wicket, and later the Indian spinners dominated to bring an entire batting collapse of the Pakistan team.

Opener Fakhar Zaman started slowly, as Farhan was charging the Indian bowlers, which was likely a part of their game plan. But after that opening wicket fall, Fakhar didn't get any proper support from the other end, as the pressure was building up on him. 

WATCH: Axar Patel strikes as Mohammad Haris falls for a duck in Asia Cup 2025 Final IND vs PAK

Asia Cup 2025 Final, India vs Pakistan: Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Fakhar Zaman just after a sixer

While Pakistan were losing under pressure in the middle overs, Fakhar tried his best. In the 15th over, he smashed a sixer to Varun Chakaravarthy. It was a full and wide delivery, which Fakhar smacked over the long on for an overboundary. On the very next ball, Varun delivered another wide delivery with a shorter length, and Fakhar once again went for that but couldn't control his stroke. The ball went to the backward point, and Kuldeep Yadav took that crucial catch to bring another crucial wicket for India. 

Fakhar scored 46 off 35 balls with two fours and two sixes, while Pakistan were suddenly down to 126/4 after once dominating at 113/1. It was another big wicket for India, as the Indian bowlers took full control of the game since then, as Pakistan were later bowled out for only 146 runs in 19.1 overs. 

Watch: Fakhar Zaman's dismissal video

Varun Chakaravarthy gets the big fish, Fakhar Zaman 💪🔥

Watch the Asia Cup Final LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/yVq19ttMJc

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 28, 2025

The Asia Cup 2025 Finals begun between India and Pakistan, with a brisk start from the openers for Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan started the innings on strong footing as both teams are trying to take the early initiative in a match that promises high drama between these two arch-rivals in Dubai.

At the 9.4-over mark, Varun Chakravarthy provided a significant breakthrough for India by getting rid of Sahibzada Farhan. Farhan had been aggressive from the outset and had made 57 runs off 38 balls with plenty of boundaries. He attempted to pull a googly pitched outside off, but got is wrong and was caught by Tilak Varma at deep mid-wicket, it ended an 84-run partnership. The wicket gave India a grip on the game ahead of the drinks break.

Farhan's attacking innings had built a really strong platform for Pakistan, but his dismissal was a key breakthrough and changed the momentum a little towards India. Saim Ayub was joined at the crease by Fakhar Zaman and opened his account with a single run. Fakhar continued to play the anchor role, while India hoped to capitalize on this important breakthrough.

Live Score Update:

Pakistan is at 113/1 after 12.4 overs, with Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub at the crease. The innings has started brightly for Pakistan, but India will be looking to use this breakthrough to get control of the run rate. The momentum of the match is still fairly even as both teams contest for the title in this high stakes final.

Watch the video here

🚨 WICKET!🚨

Sahibzada Farhan c Tilak Varma b Varun Chakravarthy for 57(38) [5x4, 3x6]!
He smashed a six earlier in the over but got out trying for another. Frustrated, he thuds the bat on the ground. Big moment!#Cricket #INDvsPAK #AsiaCup #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/R4XuybRyOo

— Asia Voice 🎤 (@Asianewss) September 28, 2025

See Also: Ravi Shastri Caught Up with Surya, Waqar in Talks with Salman Ali Agha in IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 Final

Indian bowlers were frustrated with the dominant second wicket partnership for Sri Lanka, as the Lankans were seemed to be comfortably snatching the win in the dead rubber Super Fours match in the Asia Cup 2025. Finally, the Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy brought the crucial breakthrough for the Men in Blues by dismissing one of the dangerous batters, experienced Kusal Perera. 

Asia Cup 2025 (Super Fours), India vs Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera thrashed all Indian bowlers

Sri Lanka are chasing the 203-run target in the last game of the Super Fours in the Asia Cup 2025. Although India got an early wicket, as the opener Kusal Mendis was dismissed for a golden duck in the first over of the innings after Hardik Pandya took that wicket, another opener Pathum Nissanka and the no.3 batter Kusal Perera changed the atmosphere of the game with their powerful second-wicket partnership. These two Lankan batters spared none of the Indian bowlers.

In less than 12 overs of the second wicket partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera, they added 127 runs. It was the record T20I partnership for Sri Lanka for any wicket against India, while their previous record against India was the 109-run second wicket partnership between Kusal Perera and Upul Tharanga during the 2017 Indore T20I.

WATCH: Shoaib Akhtar makes funny stumble while talking about how Pakistan's best chance against India in Asia Cup 2025 Final

Varun Chakaravarthy broke the dangerous partnership

While Nissanka and Perera were both charging against the Indian bowlers, Kuldeep Yadav suddenly put a break in the 12th over, as the required run rate pressured the set Lankan partnership. It ultimately worked for the Indian team, as Varun Chakaravarthy produced the key wicket for India by dismissing Perera. Under pressure Perera went to attack the Indian spinner and came down the pitch, while the Lankan batter completely missed that ball, and the Indian keeper Sanju Samson comfortably stumped out Perera. Perera left the ground after scoring 58 runs off 32 balls with eight fours and one six, while Nissanka's presence still put the Lankan team in the upper hand in the game. 

Kusal Perera outfoxed and how! 🥵

Watch #INDvSL, Live now on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV. pic.twitter.com/IycRY0Kneu

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 26, 2025