Varun Malhotra

Born on 8th July 1988, Varun Malhotra's journey from the quaint neighbourhoods of Chandigarh to cricket stadiums worldwide is a tale of determination, grit, and unyielding passion. As a youngster, Varun was more enthralled by the rhythmic sounds of bat meeting ball and the incessant appeals around the stumps rather than typical playground games. Inspired by the greats, his journey began in local cricket clubs, where his keen eyesight and nimble footwork quickly marked him out as a prodigious talent.

Varun’s first major break came during his teenage years, representing Punjab at various age levels. His consistent performances as a wicketkeeper-batsman soon caught the eye of national selectors. At the age of 21, Varun made his much-anticipated professional debut, donning the gloves in the vibrant cauldron of domestic cricket. His debut season was a revelation, boasting impeccable glovework, conceding few extras, and pulling off catches that left spectators in awe.

His career is adorned with remarkable achievements, such as his crucial role in leading his state team to three consecutive Ranji Trophy finals between 2010 and 2013, lifting the coveted trophy twice. His agile keeping behind the stumps coupled with a remarkable adaptability in batting, anchoring innings in middle-order slots when needed, was instrumental in these triumphs. Though not a frontline bowler, his innovative, versatile bowling occasionally surprised batsmen, adding crucial breakthroughs in tightly contested matches.

One cannot discuss Varun's career without highlighting the intense rivalry with Delhi. Matches were pulsating affairs, often remembered for his beautifully timed stumpings and timely half-centuries, each a testament to his resilience. His memorable innings during the 2014 semi-final against Delhi, where he notched up a swashbuckling 87 under pressure, is etched in fans’ memories as a defining moment, turning the match in his team’s favour.

Throughout his career, Varun has exhibited an adaptable batting approach, whether steady under pressure or aggressive when the situation demands. His calm demeanour, coupled with an innate understanding of the game, demonstrates his ability to seamlessly adapt to match requirements, a trait that has become his hallmark.

Varun Malhotra’s indelible impact on cricket, marked by his impeccable wicketkeeping, fluid batting, and occasional surprises with the ball, continues to inspire budding cricketers. His legacy is that of a player who, with every game, stitched himself into the rich tapestry of cricketing folklore.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats