The cricketing story of India's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy is filled with persistence and grit. Written off after his disappointing outing in the 2021 T20 World Cup, the Tamil Nadu spinner has now risen to the very pinnacle, being crowned the No.1 ranked T20I bowler globally. His ascension was declared by the ICC on September 17, 2025, a day before India's last group-stage match against Oman at the Asia Cup. This feat makes him just the third Indian bowler to rank number one in the ICC T20I bowling rankings following Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi. SPIN KING ON TOP! 👑🔥Varun Chakravarthy rises to World No.1 in T20I bowling rankings. 🏏✨ pic.twitter.com/5oASBqTSKc — CricketGully (@thecricketgully) September 17, 2025 A Stunning Comeback of Varun In 2021, Chakaravarthy was trolled for his inability to make a difference in UAE conditions during India's losing campaign. Many assumed his international stint was over. But rather than throw in the towel, the 34-year-old mystery spinner reimagined his art and returned stronger. "All worth it for Chakaravarthy", headlines proclaimed as he displayed his regained control and variations to become one of the most lethal T20 bowlers in the game now. His last two years' performances testify to his consistency. In 2024, he played seven games and took 17 wickets at a jaw-dropping average of 12.41. In 2025, he continued his form with a five-wicket haul against England earlier this year. He has impressed in the current Asia Cup too, taking 1/4 against UAE and then 1/24 against Pakistan. Also Read | Varun Chakravarthy Credits Gambhir for Backing Him Always Varun's Sensational 2025 The year has been nothing but spectacular for Varun. In a five-match T20I series against England, he took 14 wickets, leading India to dominance before the Champions Trophy. His quick variations and accuracy have made him India's go-to spin star in the T20Is. Varun improved three positions in the ICC rankings, going past New Zealand's Jacob Duffy. Akeal Hosein remains at number three while Adam Zampa has moved to fourth position. Among Indians, Kuldeep Yadav also improved, going up 16 places to 23rd position. Arshdeep Singh Falls Out of Top 10 While Varun basked in his ascendancy, Arshdeep Singh fell out of the top 10 because of a lack of game time in the Asia Cup. India used Jasprit Bumrah as the sole pacer, and Arshdeep is still at 99 T20I wickets, dropping from ninth to 14th position.