KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy acted in a Tamil movie Jeeva back in 2014

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally announced the Indian cricket team squad for the three-match T20I and ODI series followed by a four-match Test series in Australia from November 27 to January 19. One of the surprising picks in the T20I squad is KKR’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. The young gun has been named as the replacement for Kuldeep Yadav for the fourth spinner slot in the 16-man squad.

The spinner has had an interesting journey in the game of cricket thus far. He had initially started his career as a wicketkeeper in his school days but later turned into a medium-pacer. There was a twist when the cricketer quit the game to pursue his career as a professional qualified architect. However, he soon realized where his passion lies and made a comeback in the game as a mystery spinner.

Varun Chakravarthy’s cameo role in a South movie

Though many are aware about Varun Chakravarthy being an architect, one thing that fans don’t know is that the bowler has also appeared in a cameo role in a Tamil movie, Jeeva. In the popular South movie, Chakaravarthy was seen in a particular shot as a teammate of the hero Jeeva when he was playing for the cricket club.

Jeeva, which released in 2014, revolves around how the hero doesn’t get a chance in the Indian team due to cash politics and then makes a comeback after facing hardships. The movie had a successful run at the box-office and was critically acclaimed as well.

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Varun Chakravarthy got a chance in the Indian team because of his stunning performance in the ongoing 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Tamil Nadu spinner has picked up 13 wickets in 11 matches he has played thus far for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He is also the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in IPL 2020.

Speaking to TNIE about his selection for the India tour of Australia, Varun exclaimed , “I went through a lot in the last few years. Had a poor start to the IPL, nursed injuries. But I never gave up. I had the belief that I would do well and it was only a matter of time. During that phase, family, friends, my fiancée, coaches and trainers supported me. That kept me going.”