Two of a kind The Bhutra twins and the making of a mystery-spin fascination TNPL 2026 feature interview

Mystery spin is a novelty that seldom goes unnoticed. So it was perhaps inevitable that the league which introduced the world to Varun Chakaravarthy would also be the one to give Rohan Bhutra’s wrong-footed wrist-spin, with multiple variations in tow, a platform. Rohan made his debut in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) as Player of the Match for Madurai Panthers with 2 for 9 against Salem Spartans. Another Player of the Match award followed for his 2 for 23 against Dindigul Dragons, the team that gave him his first TNPL contract three years prior. Rohan Bhutra’s identical twin, Rahul, shares more than just a facial resemblance and physique—their bowling actions are nearly identical. Rahul has yet to secure his maiden TNPL gig, but their cricketing journey is deeply intertwined. Born in Chennai, their maternal grandparents hailed from Rajasthan but ran their business in the city before the twins were born. Their father, a readymade garment businessman in Ahmedabad, moved the family to Chennai to pursue their cricketing ambitions after missing a district call-up in 2019 due to COVID-19. The Bhutras trained under Srinath Suresh at Cricket Drome in Thoraipakkam, Chennai, where their coach Vignesh Krishnaraj recognized their talent. Vignesh, a Cricket Drome coach, convinced their father to relocate from Ahmedabad to Chennai, selling their shop to fund their cricketing pursuits. Despite initially being net bowlers, Rahul’s bowling variations—including four distinct styles—flummoxed batters at club level. Rohan, initially an orthodox off-spinner, was inspired by Varun Chakaravarthy’s mystery spin and adapted his technique. Rohan was signed by Dindigul Dragons in 2023, while Rahul was a net bowler waiting for an opportunity. Their rise continued when Vignesh took them to Rising Stars, a third-division club, where they dominated. By the end of the 2025-26 season, Rising Stars was promoted to the second division, with Rohan and Rahul securing 30 and 25 wickets respectively. Their bowling synergy—Rahul’s quick arm speed and attack on the stumps, Rohan’s turn—makes them formidable. They also use their resemblance to deceive opponents during matches. Their father’s confidence in them is now unshaken. Rohan has won consecutive Player of the Match awards for Madurai Panthers, while Rahul waits for his chance. The twins discuss cricket constantly, offering mutual support and motivation. Their journey has been one of shared growth, and they are eager to continue together.