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Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that his statemate, Varun Chakravarthy, could make a late entry into India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is set to begin on February 19. While India has already announced their provisional 15-man squad for the tournament, Chakravarthy's name was notably absent. However, Ashwin believes that the mystery spinner's recent form, particularly his impressive performances in T20I cricket, could make him a strong contender for a spot in the final squad. Chakravarthy has been a standout performer in the shorter formats of the game, showcasing his exceptional variations and deceptive bowling. His success in T20Is, where his mystery spin has often bamboozled some of the best batsmen, has earned him recognition both in the Indian domestic circuit and in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Varun Chakravarthy to make a wild-card entry into the India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Ashwin, who is well-versed with the intricacies of spin bowling, pointed out that the selectors might keep a close eye on Chakravarthy’s progress leading up to the Champions Trophy and could consider him for inclusion in the final squad if he continues to perform well. Ashwin's endorsement of Chakravarthy highlights the competition for places in India's squad, especially in the spin department, where the team already has some of the best options available. However, Chakravarthy’s mystery spin could offer India a valuable edge in the tournament if he maintains his form in the lead-up to the event.
Varun Chakravarthy's international journey has been a tale of comebacks. After an underwhelming stint with the Indian team during the 2021 T20 World Cup, he spent three years away from the national setup. However, the 33-year-old made a spectacular return in 2024 during a home series against Bangladesh, reminding everyone of his potential. Since his comeback, Chakravarthy has been in sensational form, claiming 31 wickets in just 12 matches at an extraordinary average of 11.25.
His recent performances have only strengthened his case for a spot in India's squad for major tournaments, including the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. Notably, Chakravarthy played a pivotal role in India's dominant 4-1 T20I series victory over England. He was named Player of the Series for his outstanding contribution with the ball, picking up 14 wickets across five matches. His consistency and ability to break partnerships have made him a key weapon in India's bowling arsenal. Given his remarkable form, Chakravarthy's name is once again in the mix for ODI selection, and his impressive performances in T20Is could make him a strong contender for a spot in India's squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that India could make a last-minute change to their provisional 15-man squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy to include Varun Chakravarthy. With the February 12 deadline for finalizing the squad approaching, Ashwin believes that the mystery spinner’s recent form in T20Is could force the selectors to reconsider their options. India had initially named four spinners in the squad: Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. However, Ashwin feels that Chakravarthy’s impressive performances in recent series, particularly his Player of the Series award against England, make him a strong contender for a spot.
Chakravarthy has been in remarkable form since his return to the Indian team, picking up 31 wickets in just 12 matches at an average of 11.25. Given his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, especially in T20I cricket, Ashwin opines that the spinner could provide valuable depth to India’s bowling attack in the Champions Trophy. With the deadline for squad finalization approaching, there’s still a possibility that India might make a change, potentially bringing in Chakravarthy as a surprise inclusion ahead of the prestigious tournament.
“We are all talking about whether he should have been there (Champions Trophy squad). I am thinking there is a chance he might be there. I have a feeling he might make it. There is a chance because all teams have named only a provisional squad. So he might get picked,” former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“But if you look at the existing squad, if a seamer goes out and Varun comes in, it will be an added spinner (five). I don’t know who they would want to drop (if they think about getting Varun in). We will wait and see,” he added.
India is set to play a three-match ODI series against England before the Champions Trophy, and the squad for this series will be the same as the one announced for the upcoming tournament. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s availability remains uncertain due to injury concerns, which could potentially open the door for Varun Chakravarthy’s maiden ODI call-up. Chakravarthy, who has been in sensational form in T20Is, could provide India with an extra spinning option if Bumrah is unavailable. His recent performances, including a standout Player of the Series award against England in the T20Is, have made him a strong contender for inclusion. With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, the selectors may decide to bring Chakravarthy into the squad, capitalizing on his form to bolster the team's bowling attack. This would be a crucial opportunity for the 33-year-old spinner to prove his worth in the 50-over format.