Chennai: As a professional architect, imagination comes quite naturally to Varun Chakravarthy of Tamil Nadu. And it’s the most important trait that makes him a potent mystery spinner — a rare and hot commodity in cricket. On Tuesday, Varun was one of the most sought after cricketers at the IPL auction as he went from his base price of Rs 20 lakh to a whopping Rs 8.4 crore.
Varun couldn’t believe what he saw on TV. “I didn’t expect this much as I thought someone would pick me for my base price,” said Varun who shot to fame with his exploits in the Tamil Nadu Premier League.
When he finished as the second highest wicket-taker of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on his debut List-A season, it looked certain that Varun would be snapped up by an IPL franchisee.
Varun who left his architecture job in 2014 to play cricket. A late bloomer — who started as a medium pacer before trying his hands at spin bowling — the 27-year-old has as many as eight variations with leg-spinners, cutters and googlies being his regular weapons.
“Before I bowl, at the top of my run-up, I visualise how I want to bowl. And I follow this routine religiously for every ball,” said Varun.
Ever since he played a stellar role in Madurai Panthers’ title triumph in the 2018 TNPL, Varun’s stakes have skyrocketed. Commentators couldn’t stop raving about his uncanny ability during the franchisee league and it was no surprise that TN selectors named him in the limited-overs side for the Vijay Hazare and soon made his Ranji debut.
Varun will make IPL debut under his Tamil Nadu teammate R. Ashwin now. When not playing cricket, Varun edits short films and plays guitar.
