Team India's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has become a regular feature of the Indian white-ball sides, has had the privilege of playing alongside or against some of the greats of Indian cricket: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.
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While Chakravarthy played with Kohli and Rohit during India's Champions Trophy victory in 2025, he's also featured against them in the IPL as a Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player.
Now, the KKR and India star has revealed some of the lessons he's personally received from the trio over the years, describing how they helped him become the player he is today.
Rohit Sharma is tactical, Virat Kohli brings Spartan energy
Rohit and Kohli have been two of the great leaders in Indian cricket. While Rohit led India to two ICC titles, Virat shaped a side that went on to dominate or put up a strong fight against opponents in Test matches, especially in away conditions.
Speaking to Gaurav Kapoor on Oaktree Sports, Chakravarthy shed light on the distinctive captaincy styles of the India greats and described how each of them has their own methods to lead a bunch of players.
"When you go to Rohit Sharma, he is very tactical. He's like I'll try to do this, you come, you bowl with the old ball, there will be more drift and all those things."
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"Virat just motivates you to the core and somewhat brings that Spartan energy inside. How much ever impossible the situation looks like just go for the kill. He brings that energy," said Varun.
Varun did not play much under Virat, but he became a regular feature for Team India under Rohit lately. The spinner played a key role in taking India to the Champions Trophy title and the Asia Cup title this year.
'MS Dhoni focuses on basics,' Varun reveals advice from ex-CSK captain
MS Dhoni, who's India's most successful captain and the man under whom the Men in Blue won three ICC Titles, is often seen as a mentor for upcoming cricketers and also for established cricketers. He is also one of the most respected cricketers across the world.
While he never got play for India under MS Dhoni, Chakravarthy got his first glimpse of Dhoni as a net bowler with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Later, as a KKR bowler, he's got opportunities to chat with the former CSK captain after IPL matches.
"Dhoni was.., all he said to me was just do the basics right. Everyone under pressure looks to something different, something out of the blue, but just think about doing the basics, and you'll get through it, added Varun.
What's next for Varun Chakravarthy?
After a successful Asia Cup campaign, Varun's next challenge is the big white-ball tour to Australia. The spinner has been picked for India's T20I side that will take on Australia in a five-match T20I series starting on Oct 29.
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