In the first T20I against Englandrotating star Varun Chakraborty put in an exceptional performance, proving his worth as a key spinner for India. He finished with impressive figures of 3/23 in his four-over spell, effectively dismantling England’s middle order. Varun’s crucial grounds included those of Jos Buttler, Harry Brookand Liam Livingstonwhich played a pivotal role in restricting England to a total of 132 runs.
His ability to bowl with precision and variation on the Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata highlighted his growing stature 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 important tournaments such as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Dinesh Karthik backs Varun’s inclusion in Champions Trophy squad
After Varun’s brilliant performance in the T20I, the former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has openly supported his inclusion in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Karthik retweeted an earlier post of his from November 10, 2024, where he emphasized that not picking Varun for the Champions Trophy would be a “serious mistake”.
Their endorsement underlines the belief in Varun’s potential to be an exceptional bowler, as seen in his performance against South Africa in a previous match in which he took 5 wickets for 17 runs, although the match ended in a loss for India. Karthik’s support is significant given his experience and knowledge of the game, particularly his close observation of Varun while they played together for Tamil Nadu.
Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy stuns England by removing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over | IND vs ENG 2025, 1st T20I
Kuldeep Yadav’s recovery and Varun’s potential role
At the moment, Kuldeep Yadav is in the recovery phase from a groin injury he suffered during the test series against New Zealandwhich led him to miss subsequent games. Given Kuldeep’s uncertain fitness, this presents an opportunity for Varun to step in as a replacement for the Champions Trophy squad if Kuldeep is not fully fit.
Kuldeep, known for his unconventional left-arm leg-spin, would have been a vital part of India’s spin attack, but with concerns over his fitness, Varun’s form and recent performances make him a strong candidate to fill that void. Varun’s ability to take wickets at crucial moments and his adaptability make him a suitable back-up, ensuring India have a potent option for the tournament.
Considering these factors, Varun’s inclusion in India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy is looking increasingly likely, especially with the backing of figures like Karthik and the current situation with Kuldeep’s recovery.