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The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will start from February 19, with teams racing against time to finalize their perfect squad before the February 12 deadline of the squad submission.
Dubai’s conditions pose a selection challenge for India
As the tournament edges closer, India faces a crucial selection dilemma – deciding the ideal spin combination for the spin-friendly conditions of Dubai, where all their group-stage matches will be played. With Dubai’s pitches traditionally assisting spinners, India finds themselves in a tough spot while selecting its primary spin option for the Champions Trophy.
While Kuldeep Yadav has been India’s go-to wrist spinner in ODIs, the recent emergence of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has sparked debates over who should be India’s first-choice spinner. Amidst growing discussions, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has stepped forward to express his opinion.
With just days left before the final squad submission, the Indian selectors must make a tough call – rely on Kuldeep’s experience or gamble on Chakravarthy’s mystery spin. Given Dubai’s conditions, spinners are expected to play a significant role, making this decision all the more crucial for India’s Champions Trophy campaign.
Suresh Raina’s choice for the Champions Trophy 2025
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has voiced his support for Kuldeep’s inclusion in the final squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, despite Chakravarthy’s impressive debut in the second ODI against England. Raina believed that Kuldeep’s experience in high-pressure situations gives him an edge over the mystery spinner, who has been making waves since his return to international cricket. Speaking on Star Sports, Raina highlighted Kuldeep’s versatility and ability to perform in big tournaments.
“I think Varun is more used to bowling in T20Is for now, while Kuldeep has variety and wicket-taking ability. Most importantly, he rises to the occasion in big tournaments. I still remember the way he clean-bowled Babar Azam in the ODI World Cup 2019. He has a different skill in his hands, and he carries massive experience of playing big matches,” Raina said.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Suresh Raina makes bold prediction on Virat Kohli for the India vs Pakistan face-off
Varun Chakravarthy vs Kuldeep Yadav
Chakravarthy made his much-anticipated ODI debut in Cuttack on February 9, where he delivered a disciplined spell of 1/53 in 10 overs, claiming the wicket of Philip Salt. Since his return to the international circuit in October 2024, Chakravarthy has been a standout performer, especially in the T20 format. His success in the recently concluded T20I series against England, where he bagged 14 wickets in five matches at an astonishing average of 9.85, made him a strong contender for the Champions Trophy squad. His overall T20I record since his comeback has been nothing short of phenomenal – 31 wickets in 12 innings at an economy of 7.18 and an average of 11.25, including two five-wicket hauls.
Kuldeep has been a consistent performer for India in the ODI format and is currently part of the squad for both the England series and the Champions Trophy. He showcased his effectiveness in the first ODI in Nagpur, finishing with figures of 1/53. Earlier, he had claimed four wickets in three ODIs against Sri Lanka in 2024, further solidifying his case for selection.
