In the first T20I vs England,star spinner Varun Chakraborty He delivered an exceptional performance, proving his mettle as a key player for India. He finished with impressive figures of 3/23 in his four-man spell, effectively dismantling England's middle order. Varun's crucial wickets included those of Jos Buttler, Harry Brockand Liam Livingstonewhich played a pivotal role in restricting England to a total of 132 runs.
His ability to bowl with accuracy and variety at Eden Gardens in Kolkata highlighted his growing status as a match-winner in the shortest format of the game. This performance not only boosted his confidence, but also put him in the spotlight for possible inclusion in major tournaments such as the World Championships ICC Champions Cup 2025.
Dinesh Karthik supports Varun's inclusion in Champions Trophy squad
After Varun's brilliant show in T20I, the former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik He has vocally supported his inclusion in India's ICC Champions Trophy squad for 2025. Karthik retweeted an earlier post of his from November 10, 2024, where he maintained that not selecting Varun for the Champions Trophy would be a “huge mistake”.
His endorsement underscores the belief in Varun's ability to be an outstanding player, as evidenced by his performance against South Africa In a previous match where he took 5 wickets for 17 runs although the match ended in defeat for India. Karthik's support is important given his experience and insight into the game, especially his close observation of Varun playing together for the Tamil Nadu team.
See also: Varun Chakravarthy stuns England by removing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone at the same time | IND vs ENG 2025, 1st T20I
Kuldeep Yadav's recovery and Varun's possible role
currently, Kuldeep Yadav He is in the process of recovering from the thigh injury he suffered during the Test series against New ZealandWhich led to his absence from subsequent matches. Given Kuldeep's uncertain fitness status, this presents an opportunity for Varun to step in as a substitute for the Champions Trophy team if Kuldeep is not fully fit.
Kuldeep, known for his unorthodox left leg action, could have been a vital part of India's spin attack, but with his fitness concerns, Varun's recent form and performances make him a strong candidate to fill that void. Varun's knack for taking wickets at crucial moments and his ability to adapt make him a suitable replacement, ensuring India have a strong spin option for the tournament.
By considering these factors, Varun's inclusion in India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad looks increasingly likely, especially with the support from figures like Karthik and the current situation with Kuldeep's recovery.
