The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced an updated squad for the upcoming India vs England ODIs series, adding mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to the lineup. The series, commencing on Thursday in Nagpur, is being viewed as a crucial preparatory stage for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins on February 19.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Omission Sparks Speculation
India vs England ODIs: One of the most talked-about omissions from the squad was Jasprit Bumrah, who has been named only for the third ODI, while young pacer Harshit Rana has been included for the first two matches. Bumrah, who sustained a back injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, remains under fitness assessment ahead of the Champions Trophy.
“India has added Varun Chakaravarthy to their lineup for the three-match ODI series against England, which has been strengthened. The mystery spinner put on an exceptional display, bagging 14 wickets in the recently concluded five-match T20I series against England, including an outstanding five-wicket haul in Rajkot. His match-defining performances secured him the ‘Player of the Series’ honor. He has now linked up with the ODI squad in Nagpur,” — BCCI Official Statement
Surprisingly, Bumrah’s fitness status was not addressed in the official release, fueling speculation on social media about a possible major update regarding his participation in the Champions Trophy.
India’s Updated Squad for ODI Series Against England
Captain & Vice-Captain:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill (VC)
Batters:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
Wicketkeepers:
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
All-Rounders & Spinners:
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
Fast Bowlers:
- Harshit Rana
- Mohammed Shami
- Arshdeep Singh
New Addition:
- Varun Chakaravarthy
Chakaravarthy’s Selection: A Reward for Stellar Performances
Varun Chakaravarthy’s selection comes on the back of an exceptional performance in the recently concluded T20I series against England, where he emerged as India’s highest wicket-taker. His 14 wickets, including a brilliant five-wicket haul in Rajkot, played a pivotal role in India’s 4-1 series victory.
Chakaravarthy’s Recent Achievements:
Named Player of the Series in the T20I series against England. Picked 14 wickets, including a 5-fer in Rajkot. Led the spin charts in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 18 wickets at a staggering average of 12.16, including a best of 5/9. Holds an impressive List A record, claiming 59 wickets in 23 matches with a strike rate of 19.8.
“His unpredictable variations and crafty spin deliveries played a decisive role in disrupting England’s batting order, making it difficult for them to settle at the crease.” — Cricket Analyst’s Take
Spin-Heavy Indian Attack for the ODI Series
With Chakaravarthy’s inclusion, India’s spin arsenal now boasts Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, offering a variety of options to counter England’s batting order.
As the countdown to the ODI series opener in Nagpur continues, Chakaravarthy has already begun training with the squad, eager to replicate his recent success on the 50-over stage.
Do you think Varun Chakaravarthy will be a game-changer in the ODI series? Should Bumrah have been rested ahead of the Champions Trophy? Share your thoughts in the comments!