In July 2024, Varun was so confident about his spot in the squad that he was asked for his Adidas sizes—everything from shirts to tracksuits was prepared, signaling a return to form.

India was forming a secondary squad to tour Zimbabwe after their T20 World Cup victory, a series perfect for players hoping to secure their positions. With over 40 wickets and a title with Kolkata Knight Riders, Varun was in a prime position to shine.

However, when the squad was revealed, his name was missing, impacting him deeply this time—not due to performance but due to the work he had put in to rebuild himself after a difficult period.

Returning home after a disappointing 2021 World Cup and a drop from KKR in 2022, he reworked his bowling technique fundamentally. He revamped his run-up, delivery stride, and his stock ball to find success once again.

After months of hard work, Varun began to see improvements. He trained rigorously, focusing on his fielding—a crucial aspect of his game that had been criticized. By February 2025, he had earned the Player of the Series award against England, showcasing his evolved skills on the field.

Ultimately, it was Varun’s evolution in skills and mindset, along with relentless determination, that secured his spot on the team once again. His coach emphasized that it wasn’t merely the switch from side-spin to over-spin bowling that led to his success, but rather the sum of technique, tactics, and his ability to read opponents effectively. Following a moment of deep reflection and determination, Varun received the call to return to international cricket, leading to a triumphant new chapter in his career.