First ODI Call-Up for Chakravarthy
Indian mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has received his first-ever One Day International (ODI) call-up for the upcoming three-match series against England. His selection raises hopes for a potential spot in India’s Champions Trophy squad, set to be held in Pakistan and Dubai later this year.
“Varun’s performance in the T20I series was exceptional. His spin bowling was a game-changer, which made him a key selection for the upcoming ODI series,” said Shubman Gill, India’s vice-captain.
Gambhir’s Strong Backing
Indian mystery head coach, Gautam Gambhir, strongly backed Chakravarthy’s selection, believing his skills could be valuable in the 50-over format. The leg-spinner’s ability to deceive batsmen with his variations makes him a key asset for India’s bowling attack.
Dominance in T20I Series
Chakravarthy was a standout performer in India’s 4-1 T20I series victory against England. He finished as India’s highest wicket-taker, grabbing 14 wickets, including a stunning five-wicket haul. His deceptive spin proved crucial in dismantling England’s batting lineup.
Key Highlights:
- 14 wickets in the T20I series
- Five-wicket haul in a single match
- Key player in India’s dominant 4-1 win
Strong List A and Vijay Hazare Trophy Records
Despite playing only 23 List A matches, Chakravarthy has an impressive 59 wickets at a strike rate of 19.8. His Vijay Hazare Trophy performance further strengthens his ODI credentials. He finished as the leading wicket-taker among spinners, taking 18 wickets at an average of 12.16, with a best of 5-9.
“Varun has the skill and confidence to challenge top-tier batsmen in any format,” said Shubman Gill.
India’s Spin Depth for Champions Trophy
With Chakravarthy’s inclusion, India now boasts a strong spin attack for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The provisional squad features:
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakravarthy
Champions Trophy and India’s Path Ahead
The Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, featuring an intense competition among the world’s best teams. India is in Group A, alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Group B includes Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.
With a 15-match tournament spanning 19 days, India’s spin attack will play a crucial role in their quest for the title.
Will Varun Chakravarthy prove to be India’s trump card in ODIs? Fans eagerly await the answer.