Varun Chakravarthy, the in-form mystery spinner, has found himself in the spotlight once again. After his exceptional performance in the T20I series against England, where he bagged 14 wickets in just five matches and was named ‘Player of the Series’, the selectors have drafted him into the Indian ODI squad.
With the Champions Trophy squad deadline approaching, speculation is rife over whether Chakravarthy could replace one of the existing spinners before the final squad announcement.
Varun Chakravarthy: A Rising Force in White-Ball Cricket
Chakravarthy has come a long way since his struggles in the 2021 T20 World Cup. His recent performances suggest a refined skill set, with better control over variations and a stronger emphasis on over-spin.
His Notable Performances:
- T20I Series vs England (2025): 14 wickets in 5 matches, averaging 9.85.
- National One Day Championship: 18 wickets for Tamil Nadu.
- T20I Series vs Bangladesh (2024): Key contributor with impactful spells.
“Varun doesn’t play red-ball cricket, so the team management wants him to keep up his rhythm before IPL begins in March.” — Senior BCCI Source
Will He Make It to the Champions Trophy Squad?
As it stands, India has already named a four-spinner setup for the Champions Trophy:
- Ravindra Jadeja (Left-arm finger spin)
- Axar Patel (Left-arm finger spin)
- Washington Sundar (Right-arm off-spin)
- Kuldeep Yadav (Left-arm wrist spin)
With three ODIs against England before the tournament, Chakravarthy’s selection will largely depend on team management’s decision. If included, he could replace either Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar in the final squad.
Factors in Favor of Chakravarthy:
- Unplayable against England: The English team struggled against his variations.
- Versatility on Batting Tracks: Has shown significant improvement since 2021.
- Lack of a Second Wrist Spinner: India might consider an additional mystery element in the bowling lineup.
“If the management wants Varun in the final squad, they will need to approach the selection committee soon.” — BCCI Source
What’s Next for Varun Chakravarthy?
Chakravarthy has been actively training with the ODI squad, bowling to top-tier batters like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is keen on keeping him in rhythm, ensuring that he remains match-ready.
Challenges Ahead:
- Selection Uncertainty: The final decision depends on the team management and selectors.
- Limited ODI Exposure: Hasn’t played an ODI yet, which could work against him.
- Flat Dubai Pitches: His ability to adapt to these conditions will be crucial.
With India set to play all their league matches in Dubai, where Chakravarthy previously struggled, this could be his ultimate test. If he manages to make the cut, he could be India’s X-factor in the Champions Trophy.
Final Thoughts
While nothing is set in stone yet, Varun Chakravarthy’s inclusion in the ODI squad is a massive boost for his international career. With February 12 as the deadline for final squad changes, all eyes will be on the selectors’ next move. If he continues his stellar form, the mystery spinner might just book his ticket to the Champions Trophy.
Will Varun Chakravarthy make it to the Champions Trophy squad? Only time will tell!