Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been handed a new responsibility as he has been named the captain of Tamil Nadu for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, which begins on November 26. Tamil Nadu will open their campaign against Rajasthan in the Elite Group D stage of the domestic T20 tournament. Narayan Jagadeesan will serve as the vice-captain of the side.
This appointment marks Varun Chakravarthy’s first stint as captain at any level of professional cricket. He replaces M Shahrukh Khan, who led Tamil Nadu in the previous edition. Varun’s recent form and his composed on-field temperament made him an ideal choice for the leadership role as the team eyes a comeback in domestic cricket after a modest Ranji Trophy season.
Reward for Consistency and Strong T20 Form
Varun Chakravarthy captaincy call comes on the back of his strong showing for India during the T20I series against Australia, where he claimed five wickets in three matches, showcasing sharp control and accuracy. The mystery spinner has been a consistent performer in domestic and IPL circuits, known for his variations and ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches.
The 33-year-old has represented India in four ODIs and 29 T20Is, claiming 55 international wickets across formats. In domestic cricket, he has picked up 69 wickets in 27 List-A games and continues to be a key figure for Tamil Nadu’s bowling attack. His IPL experience, where he has troubled some of the world’s best batters, is expected to help him mentor young players in the side.
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has announced a balanced 16-member squad blending youth and experience. Alongside captain Varun Chakravarthy and vice-captain Narayan Jagadeesan, the squad includes experienced campaigners like T Natarajan, Sai Kishore, and M Siddharth, who add variety to the bowling department. Promising young talents VP Amit Satvik and A Esakki Muthu have also been rewarded for their impressive performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).
Tamil Nadu’s SMAT 2025-26 Squad
Varun Chakravarthy (Captain), Narayan Jagadeesan (Vice-captain/WK), Tushar Raheja (WK), VP Amit Satvik, M Shahrukh Khan, Andre Siddharth, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Shivam Singh, R Sai Kishore, M Siddharth, T Natarajan, Gurjapneet Singh, A Esakki Muthu, R Sonu Yadav, R Silambarasan, S Rithik Eashwaran (WK).
