Harbhajan Singh backs Tilak Varma for a spot in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed Tilak Varma for a place in India’s Champions Trophy squad. The left-hander has scored 68 runs in four ODIs at an average of 22.67 whereas he has scored 660 runs in 20 T20Is at an impressive average of 51.33.

The southpaw has all the talent under his belt and he would be looking to grab his opportunities. The 22-year-old has been picked in India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against England and he will aim to be at his best to put his name in the ring for the Champions Trophy selection.

Varma has scored 1494 runs in 36 List A games at an average of 36.19.

Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube Channel, “Tilak Varma, he recently played T20Is against South Africa. He looked attacking with the bat. He showed his talent. So, I want to see him in the team.”

The Turbanator picked Axar Patel ahead of Ravindra Jadeja in the ODI squad. Patel has been named as India’s vice-captain for England T20Is.

“Axar Patel at No. 7. Yes, I have not kept Ravindra Jadeja. I think Axar Patel is ready to fulfil the role that Jadeja has done over a long period of time for India.”

Meanwhile, the former Punjab cricketer backed Shreyas Iyer to bat at number four in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

“Shreyas Iyer should be at No. 4. His World Cup was brilliant, he scored back-to-back centuries. He played so well but then disappeared. What were the reasons? we don’t know. Even Shreyas was surprised what happened to him but, I hope the way he led Mumbai, he’s performed well recently so, he will make a comeback.”

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.