They turn architect into spin bowler, a village boy into Rs 10.75 cr fee pacer

Arani BasuTIMESOFINDIA.COM

Nov 25, 2024 | 17:04 IST

From left: Varun Chakravarthy, T Natarajan, Akash Madhwal

As another IPL mega auction concluded, TOI takes an in-depth look at how cricket's talent-scouting wizards fan out to far corners to spot the next big things...

In 2011, Varun Chakravarthy gave up being a fast bowler and became an architect. Then, four years later, on a whim, he turned up at a random nets session as a mystery spinner. A batchmate-turned-IPL scout noticed him and persuaded Chakravarthy to be a part of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Two seasons later, he was picked up by Kings XI Punjab — now known as Punjab Kings — for an unbelievable Rs 8.4 cr. In another three years, he was representing India in a T20 World Cup.

Varun Chakravarthy poses with the Game Changer of the Series trophy after India's win against South Africa in the fourth T20 match on Nov 15 (Photo: AP)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is now one of the top sporting leagues in the world, and a lot of that success is owed to the ability of its franchises to dip into an ever-expanding domestic talent pool.

TOI

TOI

They turn architect into spin bowler, a village boy into Rs 10.75 cr fee pacer

As another IPL mega auction concluded, TOI takes an in-depth look at how cricket's talent-scouting wizards fan out to far corners to spot the next big things...

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TOI

They turn architect into spin bowler, a village boy into Rs 10.75 cr fee pacer

As another IPL mega auction concluded, TOI takes an in-depth look at how cricket's talent-scouting wizards fan out to far corners to spot the next big things...

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