Indian spin great Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that in-form spinner Varun Chakravarthy could still make India’s final squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played in Pakistan and Dubai later this month.
Varun, who was sidelined since the 2021 T20 World Cup, has made a stunning comeback, taking 14 wickets in five matches during the recent T20I series against England. However, despite his impressive performances, the 31-year-old has not been included in India’s preliminary 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy. The selectors have opted for spinners Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja.
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed confidence that Varun might still find a place in the final squad before the deadline for squad changes on February 12.
“We are all talking about whether he should have been there (in the 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,” Ashwin said.
Although Varun has played 18 T20Is, claiming 33 wickets at an economy rate of 7, he is yet to make his ODI debut. However, Ashwin believes he could be given an opportunity in India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against England, scheduled for February 6, 9, and 12.
“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 ODI series. If they don’t give him a chance here, then it’s difficult,” Ashwin added.
India’s Champions Trophy squad features its premier pace duo of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. While Shami recently returned to the national side, playing the second and fifth T20Is against England, Bumrah remains out of action due to a back injury.
With just days left before the final squad submission, all eyes will be on Varun Chakravarthy and whether India opts to bring him in for the marquee event.
