Varun Chakravarthy Creates History, Becomes World's No. 1 T20 Bowler

Team India’s spinner Varun Chakravarthy has achieved a historic milestone during the ongoing Asia Cup, rising to the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20 bowlers’ rankings. He is only the third Indian to claim the top position, after Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi.

Chakravarthy climbed past New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy, who now has 717 points, while the Indian spinner leads with 733 rating points. Apart from him, Ravi Bishnoi is the only other Indian in the top 10, currently ranked 8th, while Axar Patel holds the 12th spot.

First Tamil Nadu Player to Reach No. 1

Chakravarthy’s rise is a proud moment for Tamil Nadu cricket, as he becomes the first player from the state to secure the No. 1 T20I bowler ranking. Since making his debut in 2021, the 34-year-old has impressed with consistency. In 20 T20 internationals, he has taken 35 wickets at an economy rate of 6.83, including two five-wicket hauls.

Key Role in the Asia Cup

In the Asia Cup, Varun Chakravarthy has already shown his value by taking two wickets in two matches with a tight economy rate. His versatility allows him to bowl in the powerplay as well as at the death overs, making him India’s trump card on the spinner-friendly pitches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, teammate Kuldeep Yadav has also shone, picking up seven wickets in two matches—four against the UAE and three against Pakistan. With both spinners in top form, India’s bowling attack looks formidable.