With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, India’s selectors face a tough challenge when it comes to their spin attack. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra JadejaIndia’s reliable spin duo, are facing fitness issues, forcing the team to look for alternative options. Among the frontrunners is Tamil Nadu’s mystery spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy, who has impressed with his performances in the domestic circuit.
Chakaravarthy’s strong case for selection
Varun Chakaravarthy was in good form, especially in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he became the tournament’s leading wicket-taker for Tamil Nadu. Although his team bowed out in the quarter-finals, Chakaravarthy made a statement with a brilliant five-wicket haul against Rajasthan. In total, he took 18 wickets in just six matches – figures that make a strong case for his inclusion in the national team.
Also read: Manoj Tiwary criticizes Gautam Gambhir for selecting the Indian team and accuses him of bias
Although Chakaravarthy is mostly seen as a T20 specialist, he has proved his worth in the IPL in the last two seasons. He has claimed more than 20 wickets in back-to-back campaigns, at an economy rate of just over eight runs per over — impressive, considering he is up against some of the best batsmen in the world.
One thing that might give Varun Chakaravarthy an edge is his association with the current head coach of India, Gautam Gambhir. The two have a history dating back to their days in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where Gambhir often backed Chakaravarthy to perform under pressure. Gambhir is now the head coach of the Indian team. During his tenure, we saw several KKR players turn their fortunes around Indian team. Chakaravarthy could be one of them.
Different Varun, different happiness?
The last time Chakaravarthy appeared in a major ICC tournament was during the year 2022 T20 World Cupwhere India had a disappointing campaign. After that setback, the selectors reverted to Kuldeep Yadav, who enjoyed a revival.
However, Chakaravarthy’s game has come a long way since his early days. He no longer relies solely on his mysterious balls to confuse batsmen. It has added a reliable stock delivery to its arsenal, making it more effective on flatter terrain.
India’s spin bowling options have also dwindled in recent years, particularly after Ravichandran Ashwin retired from white-ball cricket. This makes finding reliable spinners like Chakaravarthy all the more important for the team. The selectors want to find a player who can take the wickets in the middle and provide control on the big pitches in the UAE.
Why Chakaravarthy could be India’s X-Factor?
With the ICC Champions Trophy set to be played in the UAE, spin-friendly conditions are expected to play a major role. India will need a person who can do more than just hold things together – it will need someone who can break partnerships when it matters most. That’s where Varun Chakaravarthy comes in. His ability to fool batsmen with clever variations makes him a strong candidate for the job.
Chakaravarthy has shown in IPL and domestic cricket that he can handle pressure and deliver on big stages. Although he is yet to make his ODI debut, his current form, coupled with Gambhir’s faith in him, could open the door for him to be included in the Champions Trophy squad.
Fitness concerns for Kuldeep and Jadeja
India’s first choice spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja are facing fitness issues. Kuldeep’s fitness has been a concern for some time now, while Jadeja’s workload management is crucial as he remains a key player in all formats.
With these uncertainties, Chakaravarthy represents a reliable back-up option who can step up if needed. His recent performances show that he is ready to take on the challenge of international cricket.
Stay updated with all the cricket action, follow Cricadius on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegramand Instagram
Source link
