"Varun Chakravarthy might get picked in India's squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025," feels Ravi Ashwin

Varun Chakravarthy bagged the Man of the Series award against England in the T20I series.

Former India off-spinner Ravi Ashwin has opined that mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy might be included in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This comment from Ashwin comes on the back of Chakravarthy’s sensational form in T20Is.

Chakravarthy made his T20I debut in 2021 and after a few matches he was dropped. He made his return last year and has simply been outstanding.

In 12 T20Is since returning to the side, Chakravarthy picked up 31 wickets, including two five-fors, at a terrific average of only 11.25 and a strike rate of just 8.9, while maintaining a tidy economy rate of 7.58.

These numbers are so staggering, and the fact that batsmen from three different countries have struggled to pick Chakravarthy’s bowling, it led the likes of Ashwin and Dinesh Karthik to suggest that the spinner could be picked in India’s Champions Trophy squad.

Last month, the BCCI named the squad for the Champions Trophy but that is a provisional squad and changes to it can be made until the start of the tournament.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravi Ashwin said, “We are all talking about whether he should have been there (Champions Trophy squad). I am thinking there is a chance he might be there. I have a feeling he might make it. There is a chance because all teams have named only a provisional squad. So, he might get picked.”

Varun Chakravarthy might get a chance to play in the ODI series against England: Ashwin

A direct entry into the Champions Trophy squad may not be possible for Chakravarthy unless he’s asked to play in the ODI series against England, Ashwin reckons.

“I have a feeling that Varun might get a chance to play in the ODI series between India and England. I don’t think it’s an easy call to take him directly to the Champions Trophy. He has not played ODIs. I have a feeling they will give him a chance in the India vs England ODI series.

“If they don’t give him a chance here, then it’s difficult. But, nevertheless, I congratulate Varun for his first Player of the Tournament award. He is the Chakaravarthy of T20I cricket at the moment. I wish he grows more and more,” the former off-spinner concluded.

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