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Varun Chakravarthy named Tamil Nadu captain for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025

Akshita Patel

Varun Chakaravarthy to mark captaincy debut [Source: @KKR_Xtra/X.com]Varun Chakaravarthy to mark captaincy debut [Source: @KKR_Xtra/X.com]

Tamil Nadu cricket fans were in for a big surprise as mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was announced as the captain for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025. But star batter Sai Sudharsan was left out of the squad entirely. 

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) confirmed the 16-member squad for the tournament beginning November 26, with N Jagadeesan named vice-captain.

Varun Chakaravarthy to make captaincy debut

This marks a massive moment in Chakaravarthy’s career, as it is the first time he will lead a team in professional cricket. 

The decision also comes at a crucial time for him personally, with the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching. 

As one of India’s leading T20I bowlers, captaining Tamil Nadu gives Varun Chakaravarthy a chance to sharpen leadership skills before joining the national squad for their T20I series beginning December 6. 

However, the biggest talking point is the absence of Sai Sudharsan. The young star, who has been in incredible form, was the top run-getter for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 and has already cemented his place as India’s Test No. 3.

With India not playing any Test series after the South Africa one, many fans expected him to feature in Tamil Nadu’s SMAT squad. 

Interestingly, Tamil Nadu is the most successful team in SMAT history, having won the title in 2008, 2020-21, and 2021-22.

Leading such a strong side will be a huge responsibility, but Varun Chakaravarthy won’t be alone. 

Players like Jagadeesan, Shahrukh Khan, and Sai Kishore all have leadership experience and will form the senior leadership group around him.

Tamil Nadu squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025:

Varun Chakravarthy (c), Narayan Jagadeesan (vice-capt, wk), Tushar Raheja (wk), VP Amit Sathvik, M Shahrukh Khan, Andre Siddarth, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Shivam Singh, R Sai Kishore, M Siddharth, T Natarajan, Gurjapneet Singh, A Esakkimuthu, R Sonu Yadav, R Silambarasan, S Rithik Easwaran (wk)

Varun Chakaravarthy to miss SMAT knockouts

Another twist, or rather worry for Tamil Nadu, is that Varun Chakaravarthy will not be available for the final stages of SMAT because he will join the India squad for their T20I series against South Africa starting December 6. 

Since SMAT runs until December 18, Tamil Nadu will need a backup plan for the knockout phase.