THE ONLY STATS THAT MATTER — VARUN CHAKARAVARTHY VS RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN AFTER 73 IPL GAMES
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a non-stop show of thrilling cricket talent. Bowling, in particular, it has been only a few Indian players, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravichandran Ashwin who has made the country proud. Spin Bowling Comparison both players offer an array of skills. This blog explores their IPL statistics after 73 matches.
We’ll look at wickets, averages, economy rates, and big hauls. Through these numbers, we geek out on what the numbers say about their strengths and impact. So, let’s dissect this part by part.
Wickets: Who Leads the Pack?
Wickets are the measure of a bowler’s success in removing batsmen. Spin Bowling Comparison Varun Chakaravarthy exceeds Ashwin here after 73 IPL matches. Starting off with Punjab in 2019, Varun, however, switched to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) the following year.
He takes 86 wickets in 72 innings. If the veteran off-spinner Ashwin played between the same period, he picks up 70 wickets in 71 innings. Ashwin started with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and then moved to several teams. He is back in 2025 again with CSK.
For example, Varun’s recent forms is impressive for fans. During KKR’s IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals on March 26, he performed admirably, taking two wickets for only 17 runs. Ashwin, on the other hand, returned with one for 31 versus Mumbai Indians. In this category, clearly Varun leads the scores. That gives him the edge most of the time when he strikes.
Bowling Average and Economy Rate: How Efficient Are You
Now, let us look at the bowling average and the economy rate. Spin Bowling Comparison those numbers speak of consistency and control. Ashwin has a career IPL average of 29.83 and an economy of 7.12. In 73 games, his average drops to 23.48, with an economy of 6.31. It shows he does a good job controlling runs.
In fact, Varun’s average, after 73 matches, is 23.97. His economy rate, though, rises to 7.56. Though Ashwin and Jadeja are closely matched on average, Ashwin is the more economical.
For example, Varun concedes more runs per over than Ashwin did at a similar stage. Yet both have solid averages, reflecting their ability to prise out wickets. Ashwin’s tighter bowling gives him the edge here.
Big Hauls: The Four-Wicket, Five-Wicket Moments
Four or five wickets in a match creates moments that change a game. Varun Chakaravarthy is the master of this. In 73 matches of IPL, he takes one four-wicket haul and one five-wicket haul. He had his best figures of 5/20 in 2020, an excellent run.
And his four-wicket haul came in 2023, illustrating his ability to deliver on the big-spell stage.
In this metric, however, Ashwin has fallen a little behind. In 213 IPL matches, he registers a solitary four-wicket haul. He went 73 games without any, best being 3/16, 2011.
Besides these, Ashwin has no five-for to his name in the IPL. What makes Varun special is his knack for impactful hauls. These rare feats show his potential to dominate.
Early Career Paths: Laying The Foundation
Two spinners with varied paths in the IPL Ashwin starts at CSK, clinching titles in 2010 and 2011. He has previously played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and more recently Rajasthan Royals. In 2025, he goes back to CSK with veteran sense. His 70 wickets from 73 games is a steady contribution.
(Punjab’s 2019 IPL story is where Varun’s starts.) 2020 onward, he finds his groove with KKR. The wickets — 86 in 73 matches — indicate rapid growth. Also, Varun lifts KKR to the 2024 title. Every bowler plays a part in team success, but Varun’s quicker ascent is noteworthy.
Recent Form: How They Compare in IPL 2025
The current performances give new insight. Varun stars in early matches of IPL 2025 He picks up one wicket in 43 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. But bounces back against Rajasthan Royals, taking two wickets for 17 runs. He has been good form since 2025 Champions Trophy.
David Warner has another good season with a new IPL franchise. He registers a figure of 1 wicket for 31 runs vs Mumbai Indians. He has been retired from international cricket, but takes it in stride.
Both players have potential, but Varun’s recent stinginess earns him a slight nod. From their constant output, fans can’t get enough.
Plyers: Spin Wizards on the Court
The raw numbers tell a story, but their bowling styles have diverged as well. Ashwin is an off-spinner who depends on guile and variations. He varies carrom balls with minute changes of pace. This makes batsmen wonder, specifically in his frugal spells. His experience helps in overcoming opponents.
Varun, a mystery spinner who combines leg-spin and googlies. His uncertainty looms large for batsmen and that builds his tally of wickets. This flamboyance is exemplified by his five-wicket haul.
Ashwin is getting runs reined despite Varun strikes more frequently. Their differences enhance the IPL’s spin landscape.
Groups Impact: Titles and Turning Points
IPL titles are what cement a player’s legacy. Ashwin get two with CSK 2010, 2011 first 73 games These victories underscore his early influence. Eventually he starts contributing in all departments across both teams, with 181 career wickets.
Varun, on the other hand, wins a KKR title in 2024. His role in that victory highlights his worth. With 301 Test wickets, he’s behind Ashwin when it comes to total numbers, but his stats from 73 matches are good. Both spinners play a key role in their franchises. Their titles tell you everything you need to know about their clutch work.
Statistical Overview: Who Wins?
Let’s recap the numbers. After 73 games, Spin Bowling Comparison Varun leads Ashwin 86 to 70. Ashwin responds with a lower average (23.48 vs. 23.97) and economy (6.31 vs. 7.56). But Varun has four’s and five’s while Ashwin has neither. While each have their individual strengths.
Ashwin, for example, has an economy that fits teams who need control. Varun’s wicket-taking is ideal for teams looking for breakthroughs. Their statistics tell a story of balance versus impact. Neither one dominates outright, but Varun’s haul feats give the edge ever so slightly.
Conclusion: A Story of Two Spinners
It was here that Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravichandran Ashwin have rediscovered their brilliance. You have data till 31st October 2023. Ashwin, though, provides economy and experience. Both lift their teams, eventually winning titles.