Not Shubman Gill: Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has offered a refreshing take on India’s best performers of 2025, and his picks may surprise many.
Instead of backing star batter Shubman Gill, Ashwin has singled out Varun Chakravarthy and Abhishek Sharma as India’s true game-changers of the year, praising their impact, consistency and match-winning ability across white-ball formats.
Speaking on his popular YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, Ashwin described both players as crucial pillars for India’s present and future, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon.
Varun Chakravarthy: India’s MVP Bowler of 2025
Ashwin was unequivocal in his praise for mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, naming him India’s bowler of the year. According to Ashwin, Varun’s value goes beyond numbers—he brings an elusive X-factor that opponents continue to struggle against.
“Whenever the team used him, he showed that X-factor. People have found it hard to pick him,” Ashwin said.
Varun’s performances in 2025 back that assessment. He has taken:
- 36 wickets in 20 T20Is
- 10 wickets in four ODIs
These numbers underline his growing reputation as one of India’s most reliable wicket-takers in white-ball cricket. Ashwin also stressed that Varun’s form could be decisive for India’s chances at the 2026 T20 World Cup, calling him a specialist T20 bowler whose fortunes could shape the tournament.
A Remarkable Comeback Story
Beyond statistics, Ashwin highlighted Varun Chakravarthy’s inspirational journey. Once out of the national setup, Varun reinvented himself and clawed his way back through sheer perseverance.
From being an architect by profession to bowling in Chennai’s fifth division, earning net-bowling opportunities, and eventually dazzling scouts in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL)—Varun’s rise has been anything but conventional.
“It has been a journey to remember,” Ashwin noted, adding that Varun now sits at the top of the T20I rankings, a testament to his resilience and evolution.
Abhishek Sharma: The Next-Generation X-Factor
Ashwin’s second pick was Abhishek Sharma, whom he described as the arrival of India’s next-generation X-factor player. The former India spinner went as far as calling Abhishek the best Indian player of 2025.
Abhishek’s numbers in T20Is this year have been sensational:
- 859 runs in 21 matches
- Average: 42.95
- Strike rate: 193.46
- 1 century and 5 half-centuries
Ashwin credited Abhishek for reimagining India’s powerplay batting, bringing fearless intent and sustained aggression at the top of the order.
“He has been exceptional. I would love to see him in the ODI format as well,” Ashwin said, hinting at a bigger role for the left-hander across formats.
Future Across Formats?
Ashwin believes Abhishek Sharma’s journey is far from complete. While he has already conquered T20Is, his red-ball credentials and ODI prospects could soon be developed, potentially making him a multi-format asset.
“I believe he will probably be the men’s team player of the year,” Ashwin added, underlining the faith he has in Abhishek’s trajectory.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: The Fire Still Burns
Ashwin also took a moment to reflect on Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasizing that their hunger remains intact.
“For both Rohit and Virat, the fire is there to win that 50-over World Cup,” he said, urging fans to cherish every match the duo continues to play.
Final Word
By choosing Varun Chakravarthy and Abhishek Sharma over more obvious names like Shubman Gill, Ravichandran Ashwin has highlighted players who have contributed significantly to India’s success in 2025 through their impact and innovation. As India builds toward major tournaments ahead, these two stars could well be the backbone of the next golden phase of Indian cricket.
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