Table of Contents
In the first T20I against England, star spinner Varun Chakravarthy showcased 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 Brook, and Liam Livingstone, which played a pivotal role in restricting England to a total of 132 runs.
His ability to bowl with precision and variation on the Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata highlighted his growing stature 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 the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Dinesh Karthik Backs Varun’s Inclusion in Champions Trophy Squad
Following Varun’s brilliant display in the T20I, former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has vocally supported his inclusion in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Karthik retweeted a previous post of his from November 10, 2024, where he had emphasized that not picking 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 seen from his performance against South Africa in a previous match where he took 5 wickets for 17 runs, although the match ended in a defeat for India. Karthik’s support is significant given his experience and insight into the game, particularly his close observation of Varun while playing together for Tamil Nadu.
Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy stuns 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 in the recovery phase from a groin injury he sustained during the Test series against New Zealand, which led to him missing subsequent matches. Given Kuldeep’s uncertain fitness status, this presents an opportunity for Varun to step in as a replacement for the Champions Trophy squad if Kuldeep is not fully fit.
Kuldeep, known for his unconventional left-arm leg spin, would have been 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 knack for taking wickets in crucial moments and his adaptability make him a suitable stand-in, ensuring India has a potent spin option for the tournament.
By considering these factors, Varun ‘s inclusion in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 looks increasingly likely, especially with the backing from figures like Karthik and the current situation with Kuldeep’s recovery.
