Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is gearing up for a crucial challenge as the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, set to begin on September 9. India will kickstart their campaign on September 10 against the UAE, and for Varun, this tournament is not just another series—it is a chance to cement his place as a match-winning weapon in India’s white-ball setup. Since his return to international cricket last year, the mystery spinner has impressed with his variations and temperament under pressure.
In 18 T20Is, he has already bagged 33 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. His consistency was also on display during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he played a vital role in India’s title-winning campaign, even picking up a five-wicket haul in the ODI format. Speaking to Revsportz, Varun Chakravarthy revealed how he is using his current one-month break to prepare mentally and physically.
“The Asia Cup is coming up, and for the white-ball players, this has been a good break after the IPL. I did play TNPL, but right now, I’ve had enough time to work on my strength, conditioning, bowling, batting, and overall fitness. Most importantly, I got to rejuvenate myself in a holistic way and spend quality time with my kid, wife, and parents. I feel refreshed and ready to put in the hard yards again,” he said.
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Looking beyond the Asia Cup, Varun Chakravarthy has set his sights on the ODI World Cup 2027. Although he has only played four ODIs so far, claiming 10 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, he remains optimistic. “After the Asia Cup, there’s a long streak of challenging white-ball tours. My goal is to excel in those series and enter the World Cup with confidence and clarity in my process,” he added.
The conditions in Dubai are expected to aid spinners, and Varun knows the venue well, having taken nine wickets in three games during the Champions Trophy. However, he remains cautious.
“Conditions are one factor, but you can’t rely solely on them. In the IPL, bowlers don’t get much assistance, so I’m used to that as well. I’m prepared for both scenarios, but yes, I’m curious to see how the UAE pitches behave this year,” he noted.
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A major influence in Varun’s comeback has been the unwavering support of T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Before the Bangladesh tour, Surya told him, “I am looking at you; let’s see how things go, but I want you in the team setup.” That faith gave Varun confidence to push harder.
Similarly, Gambhir’s backing has been invaluable. “Gauti Bhai has always motivated me. Even if we talk less, his words mean a lot. He told me, ‘No matter who ignores you, I’ll keep you in my plans.’ That gave me a huge boost. As a mentor, he brings a warrior mindset into the dressing room, something we saw working at KKR and during the Champions Trophy,” Varun explained.
He also praised Gambhir’s no-nonsense approach, pointing to the recently drawn 2-2 Test series in England. “With him, there’s no mediocrity. You give your all, whether you win or lose.” On Surya’s captaincy, Varun was equally complimentary. “He reminds me of Rohit Sharma—very tactically sharp. His years at Mumbai Indians gave him exposure to great leaders. As a captain, he never puts pressure on bowlers, which makes playing under him a delight.”
With a rejuvenated mind and body, and the unwavering support of leaders like Surya and Gambhir, Varun Chakaravarthy enters the Asia Cup as one of India’s key weapons, ready to spin his magic once again.
