In the first T20I against Englandstar spinner Varun Chakravarthy he put in an exceptional performance, proving his mettle as a key spinner for India. He finished with impressive figures of 3/23 in his four-over spell, effectively dismantling England’s middle order. Varun’s crucial wickets included those of Jos Buttler, Harry Brookand Liam Livingstonewho played a key role in restricting England to a total of 132 runs.
His ability to bowl with precision and variety at the Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata highlighted his growing status as a match winner in the shortest format of the game. This performance not only boosted his confidence but also put him in the spotlight for potential inclusion in major tournaments like ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Dinesh Karthik backs Varun’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy team
After Varun’s brilliant performance in the T20I, the former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has vociferously endorsed his inclusion in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Karthik retweeted his previous post dated 10 November 2024, where he stressed that not selecting Varun for the Champions Trophy would be a “grave mistake”.
His endorsement underscores the belief in Varun’s potential to be an outstanding bowler, as evidenced by his performance against South Africa in the previous match where he took 5 wickets for 17 runs, though the match ended in India’s defeat. Karthik’s support is significant given his experience and insight into the game, especially his close observation of Varun when they played together for Tamil Nadu.
Also SEE: Varun Chakravarthy stunned England by removing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over | IND vs ENG 2025, 1st T20I
Kuldeep Yadav’s recovery and Varun’s potential role
Currently, Kuldeep Yadav is recovering from a groin injury he sustained during the Test series against New Zealandwhich caused him to miss the following games. With Kuldeep’s fitness status uncertain, this presents an opportunity for Varun to step in as a replacement for the Champions Trophy squad should Kuldeep not be fully fit.
Kuldeep, known for his unconventional left-arm spin, would be a vital part of India’s spin attack, but with his fitness concerns, Varun’s recent form and performances make him a strong candidate to fill that void. Varun’s ability to take wickets at crucial times and his adaptability make him a suitable back-up player, providing India with a powerful spin option in the tournament.
Considering these factors, Varun’s inclusion in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad looks increasingly likely, especially with the support of the likes of Karthik and the current situation with Kuldeep’s recovery.
Also READ: Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif predicts four Champions Trophy semi-finalists in 2025
