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Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) star leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy has set his sights on dismissing some of the biggest names in world cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Varun Chakravarthy reveals the 5 opponents he hopes to dismiss in IPL 2025
Chakravarthy expressed his excitement at the thought of taking on these top-tier batters. In an exclusive interview with JioStar, Varun revealed his top five players for whom he is targeting wickets this season. His list features two prominent international stars, South Africa‘s Heinrich Klaasen and West Indies‘ Nicholas Pooran and three leading Indian players, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. These are the players who, according to Chakravarthy, are the biggest threats in the game, and he’s eager to prove his skills by getting them out.
“Players like Heinrich Klaasen, Nicholas Pooran, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav—these guys are all the star players. I would be very happy if I could pick their wickets,” Varun said.
This season, Chakravarthy has already had the chance to bowl to two of his chosen names – Kohli and Suryakumar. Unfortunately for KKR, they were defeated by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI), leaving Varun with mixed emotions despite getting the opportunity to bowl against such esteemed players. However, the IPL hasn’t been entirely kind to him in this regard, as in the clash between KKR and MI, Rohit was dismissed even before Varun had the chance to bowl, missing the opportunity to go head-to-head with the Indian captain.
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Chakravarthy’s successful return to team India
Varun’s rise to prominence began with a standout performance in IPL 2024, where he played an instrumental role in KKR’s run to the final. His contribution to KKR’s title-winning run in IPL 2024 cannot be overstated, as he took 21 wickets in 15 matches, playing a pivotal role in their success. His exceptional displays with the ball have solidified his status as one of the most sought-after spinners in T20 cricket.
Varun’s remarkable form extended beyond the IPL, as he made a successful return to the Indian T20I team. Since his recall, he has picked up an impressive 31 wickets in just 11 matches, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. His stellar performances in the shortest format earned him a well-deserved spot in the Indian ODI squad for the home series against England, and later, he was a key player in India’s victory at the Champions Trophy 2025. In the Champions Trophy, Varun’s brilliance with the ball continued, as he claimed nine wickets in just three matches, contributing significantly to India’s triumph. As IPL 2025 progresses, Varun’s form remains strong. With three wickets in as many games, he has maintained an impressive average of 24 and a stellar economy rate of 6.54
