New Delhi: Indian mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy ended 2025 on a remarkable note finishing as the leading T20I wicket-taker among Test-playing nations and India’s second-highest wicket-taker in a calendar year. The 34-year-old produced another magical spell in the fifth and final T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad underlining his growing importance in India’s white-ball setup. Record-Breaking Year for Varun Chakravarthy Varun enjoyed an exceptional 2025 picking up 36 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 13.19 and an economy rate of 7.08. His best figures of 5/24 included one five-wicket haul and a four-for. He finished joint-highest wicket-taker of the year alongside Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz and ended just one wicket behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Indian record from 2022. Dominance Against South Africa Continues Varun’s brilliance against South Africa continued as he claimed four wickets in the series decider finishing with figures of 4/53. He ended the five-match series as the leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at an average of 11.20 and an economy rate of 7.46. Overall he has now taken 22 wickets in eight T20Is against the Proteas consistently troubling their batters with his mystery spin. India’s Strong Batting Sets the Platform After being asked to bat first India posted a massive 231/5. Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma provided a fiery start before Tilak Varma’s 73 and a crucial partnership with Hardik Pandya steadied the innings. Corbin Bosch was the standout bowler for South Africa picking up two wickets. Bowling Effort Seals Series Victory Chasing 232 South Africa got off to a promising start led by Quinton de Kock but Varun Chakravarthy struck at key moments to halt the momentum. Jasprit Bumrah was equally impressive with figures of 2/17 while Arshdeep Singh chipped in with a wicket. South Africa eventually finished on 201/8 falling short by 30 runs as India sealed the series 3–1. Story Highlights Varun Chakravarthy finished 2025 as the leading T20I wicket-taker among Test-playing nations. The mystery spinner took 10 wickets against South Africa and won the Player of the Series award. India posted 231/5 with Tilak Varma top-scoring in the series decider. India won the fifth T20I by 30 runs to clinch the series 3–1.