Varun Chakravarthy continues to be one of the most trusted match-winners for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Ahead of IPL 2026, KKR have once again retained the mystery spinner for ₹12 crore, showing their strong faith in his wicket-taking ability and consistency over the years.
The 34-year-old leg-spinner has been a key pillar in KKR’s bowling attack since joining them in 2020. His variations, accuracy, and unorthodox action make him one of the toughest bowlers to face in the league.
Varun Chakravarthy – Player Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Varun Chakravarthy |
| Born | 29 August 1991 |
| IPL Debut | 2019 |
| Team (2026) | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| Role | Bowler (Right-arm leg spin) |
| IPL 2026 Price | ₹12 crore |
| Matches Played | 84 |
| Total Wickets | 100 |
| Best Bowling | 5/20 |
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Rise of the Mystery Spinner
Varun Chakravarthy has been central to KKR’s bowling success. Ever since he made an impact in 2020 with 17 wickets, he has improved with every season. His performances played a major role in KKR winning the IPL 2024 title, where he picked up 21 wickets and was one of the best bowlers of the season.
Varun’s journey is equally inspiring. From working as an architect to becoming one of IPL’s most valued bowlers, his story shows determination and late-career excellence.
Varun Chakravarthy IPL Career Stats
Overall IPL Career (2019–2025)
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | 100 | 5/20 | 23.85 | 7.58 | 18.88 |
Batting Record (Notable)
Even though he is a specialist bowler, Varun has scored 26 runs in his IPL career, with a highest score of 10*.
Season-Wise Bowling Performance
IPL 2025
| Matches | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Avg | Eco | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 50 | 383 | 17 | 22.53 | 7.66 | 3/22 |
IPL 2024
| Matches | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Avg | Eco | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 50 | 402 | 21 | 19.14 | 8.04 | 3/16 |
IPL 2023
| Matches | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Avg | Eco | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 52.4 | 429 | 20 | 21.45 | 8.15 | 4/15 |
IPL 2022
| Matches | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Avg | Eco | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 39 | 332 | 6 | 55.33 | 8.51 | 1/22 |
IPL 2021
| Matches | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Avg | Eco | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 68 | 448 | 18 | 24.88 | 6.58 | 3/13 |
IPL 2020
| Matches | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Avg | Eco | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 52 | 356 | 17 | 20.94 | 6.84 | 5/20 |
Varun Chakravarthy Best Bowling Figures
| Best IPL Spell | Against | Figures |
|---|---|---|
| 5/20 | 2020 season | 5/20 |
| 4/15 | 2023 season | 4/15 |
| 3/16 | 2024 season | 3/16 |
His iconic 5/20 remains one of the finest spells ever by a KKR spinner.
Varun Chakravarthy in IPL 2026 – What to Expect?
With 100 IPL wickets already under his belt, Varun enters IPL 2026 as one of the most experienced and dangerous spinners in the tournament. KKR will rely on him heavily in middle overs, especially on slow pitches where his variations become even deadlier.
His retention for ₹12 crore clearly shows:
- He remains a core part of KKR’s bowling plan
- His wicket-taking consistency is unmatched
- He is still one of the top mystery spinners in IPL
Also Know : Who is the Owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Team in IPL 2026?
Varun Chakravarthy IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ₹4.00 Cr | KKR |
| 2021 | ₹4.00 Cr | KKR |
| 2022 | ₹8.00 Cr | KKR |
| 2023 | ₹12.00 Cr | KKR |
| 2024 | ₹12.00 Cr | KKR |
| 2025 | ₹12.00 Cr | KKR |
| 2026 | ₹12.00 Cr | KKR (Retained) |
Conclusion
Varun Chakravarthy’s evolution from a TNPL breakout star to one of IPL’s top mystery spinners is remarkable. With 100 wickets, multiple match-winning spells, and a consistent impact for KKR, he remains a priceless asset heading into IPL 2026. His retention for ₹12 crore underlines how crucial he is to Kolkata’s title ambitions.
