flag
backBack
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Varun Chakravarthy's case for a last-minute inclusion gets stronger
ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy. Image Credit: X

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has created the headlines once again with a stupendous bowling performance in the first T20I against England at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Chakravarthy finished with 3-23 in four overs and emerged as the Player of the Match.

After his brilliant performance, he received full support from the former India and Tamil Nadu cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who feels that he should he could have been included in India's squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Varun Chakravarthy receives support from Dinesh Karthik for the Champions Trophy 2025

Around two months ago, Dinesh Karthik warned the national selectors of a big error if they didn't select Varun Chakravarthy in India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. At that time, Chakravarthy was playing in India's T20I series in South Africa.

The mystery spinner was exceptional in that series as well despite bowling in unfriendly conditions for spin. After his excellent returns in the first T20I against England, Karthik again raised the question about his inclusion in India's squad for the marquee ICC tournament.

"Could they’ve fitted him in ????" Karthik posted on X (formerly Twitter) during the first T20I between India and England in Kolkata.

Varun Chakravarthy's T20I numbers

Varun Chakravarthy hasn't played any ODI so far but has excellent numbers in T20I cricket. He has played 14 T20Is and picked up 22 wickets at an average of 16.63 and an economy rate of 6.71.

He made his T20I debut way back in 2021 and was India's first-choice spinner in the T20 World Cup 2021. However, he was suddenly dropped from the squad after his disappointing returns in the tournament and India's early exit.

Chakravarthy was called back into India's squad in the tenure of Gautam Gambhir. Since then, he has been brilliant with his skills and variations and has established himself as India's mainstay in the T20I side.

Varun Chakravarthy's excellent List A numbers

Varun Chakravarthy has yet to play an ODI but boasts an outstanding record in List A cricket. He has played 23 List A matches and picked up 59 wickets at an excellent average of 14.13 and an economy rate of 4.28 with the best of 5-9 which came in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, Chakravarthy picked up 18 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 12.16 and an economy rate of 4.36 while playing for Tamil Nadu. He finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the season behind Arshdeep Singh.

Meanwhile, India won the first T20I against England on the back of excellent performances from Varun Chakravarthy and Abhishek Sharma.

While Chakravarthy dismantled England's middle order with his skillful bowling, Abhishek killed the chase with some belligerent batting at the top. The left-handed opener struck 79 off just 34 balls and smashed 5 fours and 8 sixes on his way.

You may like

Babar Azam to beat Virat Kohli and equal Hashim Amla as fastest to 6,000 runs in ODIs

cricket365.com3 hours ago

Marks out of 10: India player ratings after their 3-0 series win against England

wisden.com6 hours ago

SL vs AUS Live Streaming in India and Live Telecast- 2nd ODI, Australia tour of Sri Lanka 2025

cricketaddictor.com2 hours ago

Shardul Thakur reveals what he told Rohit Sharma on their 1st confrontation after BGT snub

cricketaddictor.com2 hours ago

Two 10/10: Rating India’s Players on Their Performances From the IND vs ENG ODIs

cricxtasy.com29 minutes ago

Virat Kohli's major technical flaw exposed by friend right before Champions Trophy 2025

cricketaddictor.com2 hours ago

SL vs AUS Head to Head Records - 2nd ODI, Australia tour of Sri Lanka 2025

cricketaddictor.com2 hours ago

Piyush Chawla picks his playing XI for India’s opening game in Champions Trophy 2025

crickettimes.com37 minutes ago

Who has dismissed Virat Kohli the most? Adil Rashid joins Josh Hazlewood in double figures

cricket365.com3 hours ago

Watch: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli clash with each other; fight on ground during IND vs ENG 3rd ODI

cricketaddictor.com30 minutes ago