With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, India’s selectors are facing a tough call when it comes to their spin attack. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, India’s reliable spin duo, are dealing with fitness concerns, forcing the team to look at alternative options. Among the frontrunners is Tamil Nadu’s mystery spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy, who has impressed with his performances in the domestic circuit.
Chakaravarthy’s Strong Case for Selection
Varun Chakaravarthy has been in fine form, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker for Tamil Nadu. Even though his team bowed out in the quarterfinals, Chakaravarthy made a statement with a brilliant five-wicket haul against Rajasthan. In total, he grabbed 18 wickets in just six matches — numbers that make a strong case for his inclusion in the national squad.
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Though Chakaravarthy is mostly seen as a T20 specialist, he’s proven his worth in the IPL over the past two seasons. He’s taken more than 20 wickets in back-to-back campaigns, holding an economy rate of just over eight runs per over — impressive, considering he’s bowling to some of the best batters in the world.
One thing that could give Varun Chakaravarthy an edge is his connection with India’s current head coach, Gautam Gambhir. The two have a history from their days at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where Gambhir often backed Chakaravarthy to perform under pressure. Gambhir is now the head coach of the Indian Team. Under his tenure, we’ve seen several KKR players turn their fortunes around for the Indian team. Chakaravarthy could be one of them.
Different Varun, Different Fortunes?
The last time Chakaravarthy featured in a major ICC tournament was during the 2022 T20 World Cup, where India had a disappointing campaign. After that setback, the selectors turned back to Kuldeep Yadav, who enjoyed a resurgence.
However, Chakaravarthy’s game has come a long way since his early days. He’s no longer just relying on his mystery balls to confuse batters. He’s added a reliable stock delivery to his arsenal, which makes him more effective on flatter pitches.
India’s spin bowling options have also thinned out in recent years, especially after Ravichandran Ashwin stepped away from white-ball cricket. This makes finding dependable spinners like Chakaravarthy even more important for the team. The selectors are keen to find a spinner who can take wickets in the middle overs and provide control on big grounds in the UAE.
Why Chakaravarthy Could Be India’s X-Factor?
With the ICC Champions Trophy set to be played in the UAE, spin-friendly conditions are expected to play a big role. India will need a spinner who can do more than just keep things tight — they’ll need someone who can break partnerships when it matters most. That’s where Varun Chakaravarthy comes in. His knack for deceiving batters with clever variations makes him a strong contender for the job.
Chakaravarthy has shown in the IPL and domestic cricket that he’s capable of handling pressure and delivering on big stages. While he’s yet to make his ODI debut, his current form, combined with Gambhir’s faith in him, could open the door for his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad.
Fitness Concerns for Kuldeep and Jadeja
India’s first-choice spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, have been dealing with fitness issues. Kuldeep’s fitness has been a concern for some time, while Jadeja’s workload management is crucial as he continues to be a key player across formats.
With these uncertainties, Chakaravarthy presents a reliable backup option who can step up if needed. His recent performances show that he is ready to take on the challenge of international cricket.
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