Varun Chakaravarthy's path in cricket has been remarkably unique. Over the past week, he served as a pivotal asset for Rohit Sharma during the Champions Trophy, delivering crucial performances that contributed to India's title victory on Sunday.

Despite the Indian squad being rich in talented spinners such as Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, Varun secured his place due to his exceptional ability to confound batsmen with his diverse bowling variations.

His achievements in the IPL solidified his reputation, yet the challenges of international cricket are distinctly different. This time, however, he exhibited a level of confidence that was markedly improved compared to his debut during the 2021 T20 World Cup.

At that time, the pressure of the spotlight was quite intense. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun recalls Varun's initial foray into international cricket. “He certainly appeared somewhat intimidated. He hesitated to communicate his desired field settings to Virat Kohli and ended up bowling to the field that was set for him,” Arun, who also collaborates with him at Kolkata Knight Riders, shared with The Indian Express.

Varun's self-assurance has undergone a significant evolution. After returning to domestic cricket, he regained his form and emerged as a vital contributor in the IPL. This transformation was clearly reflected in his performances during the Champions Trophy, where he consistently posed a threat to opposing batsmen.

“Observe him now. He is an entirely different player. It is often said that cricket at the highest level is 90% mental, and Varun exemplifies this. He now understands what to do when he has the ball in hand. He is taking charge of his own field placements, as he has greater faith in his abilities,” Arun remarked.

Played a movie cameo

A report from Indian Express highlights that Chakaravarthy made a brief appearance in the Tamil film 'Jeeva,' which features Vishnu Vishal in the leading role. The narrative centers on the life of a struggling cricketer who nearly abandoned his aspirations until a phone call from an IPL scout transformed his future.

Chakaravarthy does not come from a sporting family. He began his career in a conventional 9-5 job and did not pursue cricket until the age of 26. His initial foray into the sport was through tennis ball cricket, followed by participation in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), ultimately leading to a contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.

The Express article also discusses Chakaravarthy's challenges with Yo-Yo tests and the rigorous requirements of international cricket.

“Clearly, at 26, I lacked a background in fitness training since I had been working a regular job. When I joined a cricket team, I struggled with fitness tests for the first three years. The thought of having a yo-yo test scheduled for the next day would keep me awake at night, and I experienced panic attacks,” Varun recently disclosed on Fries With Potate.

Read Also: Ponting on Rohit Sharma's ODI Future: "Everyone's Waiting for You to Retire"

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