Meet Varun Chakravarthy’s Wife, Neha Khedekar: She Helped Him Leave His Architecture Job For Cricket — Inside Their Chennai Home, Audi Q3, BMW X1, ...

There are cricketing stories that roar their way into public memory with noise, drama and constant headlines. And then there are stories like Varun Chakravarthy’s — quieter, slower, stitched together with self-doubt,

late decisions, injuries, and one unwavering presence that never asked for attention. Before the five-wicket hauls, before the ₹12 crore IPL contracts, and long before stadiums began chanting his name, Varun was drawing building plans as a trained architect, wondering whether it was too late to chase a childhood dream. Standing beside him then was Neha Khedekar — not a celebrity spouse, not a social media personality, but the steady reassurance that made one of Indian cricket’s most unusual journeys possible. Today, as Varun Chakravarthy emerges as one of India’s most intriguing spin bowlers — breaking records at the Champions Trophy and becoming a vital cog for Kolkata Knight Riders — curiosity around his personal life has grown just as rapidly. Who is the woman who encouraged him to leave a secure profession for cricket at 25? How does the couple live despite growing wealth? And what does success look like inside their Chennai home?

From Bidar to Big Dreams: Varun Chakravarthy’s Early Life

Varun Chakravarthy was born on August 29, 1991, in Bidar, Karnataka, into a firmly middle-class household. His father worked as an ITS officer with BSNL, while his mother managed the home. Cricket fascinated him early, but academics took precedence. He studied at Kendriya Vidyalaya CLRI and St. Patrick’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School before enrolling at SRM University to pursue architecture — a choice that seemed sensible, stable and practical. For several years after graduation, Varun worked professionally as an architect. Cricket, once pushed aside, lingered quietly. It was only at 25 — an age many cricketers are already established — that Varun took what he later described as the hardest decision of his life: quitting his well-paying job to start again, almost from scratch.

Leaving Architecture for Cricket — And Why Neha Mattered

This leap of faith did not happen in isolation. At the time, Varun was in a long-term relationship with Neha Khedekar. While Varun has remained guarded in interviews, he has acknowledged that Neha’s belief in him eased the emotional and financial anxiety of abandoning a stable career. For someone raised with strong middle-class values, the fear of failure was real. Varun initially trained as a fast bowler before a 2017 injury pushed him towards spin — a twist that would later define his career. Within a year, he made his List A debut for Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, followed by Ranji Trophy appearances. The trajectory that followed was anything but ordinary.

IPL Breakthrough and International Rise

Varun’s breakout came after impressive performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. Kings XI Punjab picked him up for ₹8.4 crore in IPL 2019 — a stunning moment for someone who had only recently left architecture. Though released the following season, Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for ₹4 crore in 2020, a move that would prove transformative. By 2023, KKR retained him for ₹8 crore, and by the 2024 and 2025 seasons, his contract touched ₹12 crore per year. In IPL 2024, he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker with 21 dismissals. His international resurgence peaked during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where he became the fastest Indian to claim a five-wicket haul in ODIs and registered the best-ever bowling figures by an Indian on Champions Trophy debut.

Net Worth, Salary and Match Fees Explained

As of 2025, Varun Chakravarthy’s estimated net worth stands between ₹25 crore and ₹30 crore. The bulk of this wealth comes from IPL contracts and match fees rather than extravagant endorsements. Despite not having a central BCCI contract yet, Varun earns ₹6 lakh per ODI and ₹3 lakh per T20I as match fees. He also received a share of India’s Champions Trophy prize money, reportedly around ₹20 crore in total for the squad. Brand endorsements form a smaller but growing stream. According to Times Now reports, Varun charges approximately ₹2–3 lakh per endorsement and is associated with brands such as Loco, Asics, Vision 11 and Colexion.

A Cricketer Uncomfortable With Excess

Unlike many modern sports stars, Varun Chakravarthy has openly spoken about his discomfort with luxury. He once admitted feeling guilty even owning a ₹3 lakh watch, a reflection of his upbringing and years spent earning a modest architect’s salary. This mindset reflects clearly in his lifestyle choices.

Inside Varun and Neha’s Chennai Home

While Varun lives in Chennai with his family, the couple’s home reflects restraint rather than opulence. From available images and glimpses, the interiors lean towards calm neutrals rather than bold extravagance. Soft beige and off-white walls dominate, allowing natural light to take centre stage. The living spaces are uncluttered, with clean lines, functional furniture and minimal decorative accents. There is a clear preference for comfort over display — warm wooden textures, muted upholstery, and practical layouts that prioritise family life. Indoor plants add softness, while framed photographs hint at personal memories rather than curated aesthetics. The overall mood of the house feels lived-in, peaceful and private — very much in line with the couple’s personalities.

Cars Owned by Varun Chakravarthy

Varun’s garage, while modest by IPL standards, includes two premium vehicles chosen for comfort and reliability rather than flash. He owns an Audi Q3, known for its refined interiors and smooth performance, and a BMW X1, valued for its practicality and understated luxury. Neither choice screams excess — a pattern consistent with his spending philosophy.

Who Is Neha Khedekar?

Neha Khedekar was born on January 4, 1995, in Mumbai. She has two siblings, Manali and Kyran Khedekar, according to SportsKeeda. Despite being married to a high-profile cricketer, Neha maintains a strictly private life. Her Instagram account is private, with a limited following, and she avoids public appearances and interviews. Her interests reportedly include photography, travelling and watching cricket — fitting, given her partner’s profession. Those close to the couple describe Neha as grounded, observant and deeply supportive without seeking validation.

Love, Marriage and Parenthood

Varun and Neha dated for several years before planning their wedding in early 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic forced them to postpone the ceremony, and they eventually married on December 12, 2020, in an intimate gathering. In November 2022, they welcomed their son, Aathman, marking a new chapter rooted in family life rather than fame.