The end of India’s T20I schedule in 2025 left the team at an impressive 71.42% win rate in T20Is (15-6 in 21), but the focus shifted to the batting depth and the ability to get runs in the last overs of T20s. However, if you go back one level further, the true game-changer was spin. With India playing 21 T20Is across conditions and opponents, comparing Varun and Kuldeep’s numbers from the same year offers a clear picture not of who is “better,” but how differently they delivered results.
Matches Played: Continuity Versus Selective Usage
Varun Chakaravarthy was a near-constant presence in India’s T20I XI, featuring in 20 matches during 2025. Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, played 10 T20Is.
This difference immediately shapes the comparison. Varun operated as a regular, adapting across series and opponents. Kuldeep was used more strategically, often when conditions or match-ups suited wrist-spin aggression.
The comparison, therefore, is not equal volume but equal responsibility delivered differently.
Bowling Average: Who Struck More Efficiently?
Bowling average highlights how frequently a bowler converts overs into wickets.
Varun Chakaravarthy:
- Average of 13.19 in 20 T20Is
- vs Australia: 16.40
- vs England: 9.85
- vs Pakistan: 26.33
- vs South Africa: 11.20
Kuldeep Yadav:
- 21 wickets in 10 T20Is at an average of 10.23
- vs Australia: 22.50
- vs Pakistan: 9.87
- vs South Africa: 6.00
- vs Sri Lanka: 31.00
Kuldeep’s overall average is superior, but Varun’s numbers show greater consistency across multiple opponents.
Economy Rate: Containment Versus Risk
In modern T20Is, the economy rate defines control.
- Chakaravarthy: 7.08
- Kuldeep: 7.04
Although both players have almost the same number of total runs conceded during their time at the ipl, they had very different trends as well. Kuldeep was able to keep his economy figure steady for most of the series, but was also prone to large spikes in those figures. On the other hand, Varun’s economy figures were relatively consistent throughout each series he participated in; he rarely spiked beyond that range.
Kuldeep has shown the ability to balance economy with aggression; however, Varun demonstrated more stability and consistency in terms of his economy.
Big Wicket Hauls: Who Delivered the Standout Spells?
Match-turning spells often separate good seasons from great ones.
Varun Chakaravarthy:
- One five-wicket haul (5/24 vs England)
- One four-wicket haul
- Multiple three-wicket spells
Kuldeep Yadav:
- Two four-wicket hauls
- Including 4/30 vs Pakistan (Asia Cup final)
- 4/7 vs UAE in the same tournament
Kuldeep produced more explosive bursts, while Varun delivered sustained pressure spells over longer stretches.
Impact in Wins: Performance When Results Mattered
A crucial comparison lies in performances during India’s victories.
Chakaravarthy wins:
- 26 wickets
- Average: 14.15
- Economy: 7.21
Kuldeep in wins:
- 18 wickets
- Average: 7.72
- Economy: 6.00
Kuldeep’s returns in winning matches were sharper, while Varun remained effective regardless of match outcome, even performing well in losses.
Comparative View
Kuldeep had a better average as well as was stronger in victory numbers, which indicates he is more efficient at taking wickets. On the other hand, Varun provided a consistent level of control over a much larger number of games. Varun also controlled his opponent regardless of the condition in the same time frame.
Statistics do not clearly show one player to be a “winner” of the year, but instead show that India has benefited from both players successfully carrying out their respective roles for all of 2025.
Key Takeaway
Kuldeep Yadav delivered a sharper impact in fewer games, while Varun Chakaravarthy provided sustained control across the full T20I calendar.
FAQs
1. What is Varun Chakaravarthy’s T20I average in 2025?
He averaged 13.19 across 20 matches.
2. Why does Kuldeep Yadav have a better overall average?
He played fewer matches and took wickets more frequently per innings.
3. How did both perform in India’s wins?
Kuldeep averaged 7.72, while Varun averaged 14.15 in victories.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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