Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has hailed mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy as India’s standout bowler of 2025, calling him a key MVP for the team. Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, Ashwin said:

Ashwin highlighted Chakravarthy’s journey back to the top after being sidelined earlier in his career. He recalled how Chakravarthy reinvented himself, rose through the ranks of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), and became one of the top T20I bowlers.

"He was out of the side, then he reinvented himself and came back, and now he is at the top of the T20I rankings. He started as an architect, cricket was not his first profession, then started mystery bowling in the fifth division in Chennai, asked for a chance in net bowling, and showed all the scouts how he bowled in the TNPL. It has been a journey to remember," Ashwin added.

Chakravarthy has claimed 10 wickets in four ODIs and 36 wickets in 20 T20Is, establishing himself as one of India’s most reliable white-ball bowlers. Ashwin also emphasized his importance for India’s chances at the 2026 T20 World Cup, noting that Chakravarthy’s form will be key.

Ashwin also praised Abhishek Sharma, India’s left-handed opener, as the next-generation X-factor.

"If there is one player who I have to name who had the best year for India in 2025, it has to be him because he has batted so well," Ashwin said.

Reflecting on India’s senior players, Ashwin also mentioned Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, highlighting that their hunger to win a 50-over World Cup continues to drive the team forward.