In the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has called for Varun Chakravarthy’s inclusion in the Indian squad. Karthik believes leaving out the 29-year-old spinner would be a “grave” mistake, especially after his stellar performance in the second T20I against South Africa. Despite Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul, India narrowly lost the match, but his ability to destabilize top-order batters has positioned him as a valuable asset for India’s upcoming campaign.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Match-Winning Potential
In the second T20I at St George’s Park, Varun Chakravarthy claimed five wickets, delivering a spell of 5-17.
His victims included prominent batters like Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, and David Miller, proving his skill in breaking partnerships and slowing the run rate.
Karthik, who has observed Varun’s evolution up close while representing Tamil Nadu, emphasised the bowler’s unique ability to turn matches in India’s favour.
“If India don’t pick Varun for the Champions Trophy, they’re making a grave error. He’s turning out to be an outstanding bowler,” Karthik remarked on X (formerly Twitter).
Chakravarthy’s Consistency and IPL Success
Varun Chakravarthy’s resurgence in the T20I format is not isolated. He recently impressed in the series against Bangladesh, taking five wickets across three games, showcasing consistency and adaptability.
His Indian Premier League (IPL) performances further back Karthik’s recommendation. Retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming IPL auction, Chakravarthy scalped 21 wickets in 2024, averaging 19.14 and maintaining a respectable economy of 8.04.
Karthik argues that this track record underscores Varun’s readiness for the Champions Trophy.
Chakravarthy’s talent, combined with his experience against strong international sides, has made him a favourite pick among analysts and fans alike. With India set to announce its squad soon, it remains to be seen if the selectors will heed Karthik’s call and bring Varun on board.
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