Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Varun Chakravarthy, India’s rising star in T20Is, could make a late entry into the squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. With a series of impressive performances under his belt, Chakravarthy has emerged as one of the best bowlers in India’s T20I setup, and Ashwin is hopeful that he will feature in the final squad for the tournament, set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19.
Chakravarthy’s Stellar Performance in T20Is
Varun Chakravarthy’s rise to prominence has been rapid. In the last two series against South Africa and England, Chakravarthy was India’s top wicket-taker. His performance during the five-match T20I series against England, where India secured a dominant 4-1 win, was particularly noteworthy. Chakravarthy picked up 14 wickets, the most by any Indian bowler in the series, and the joint-most by any bowler in a bilateral T20I series.
These remarkable statistics helped propel Chakravarthy to No. 5 in the ICC T20I bowler rankings, reinforcing his growing reputation in world cricket. His ability to take wickets in the middle overs, even when batters are not aggressively attacking, has impressed both fans and experts, including Ashwin.
Could Chakravarthy Make the Cut for the Champions Trophy?
India has already announced a 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy, which includes four spin-bowling options—Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. However, there is still room for changes to the provisional squad before the second week of February. Ashwin believes that this flexibility could allow Chakravarthy to break into the final squad.
“We are all talking about whether he should have been there (Champions Trophy squad), and I think there is a chance he might be there. I have a feeling he could make it,” Ashwin shared on his YouTube channel. He further explained that Chakravarthy could replace a seamer in the squad, which would add another spin option, making it five spinners in total. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, saying, “I don’t know who they would want to drop if they think about getting Varun in.”
Opportunity to Prove Himself in the ODI Series
While Varun Chakravarthy has proven himself in T20Is, the Champions Trophy is a 50-over format, a format he has not yet played in international cricket. However, he has delivered exceptional performances domestically, including picking up 18 wickets from just six matches at an average of 12.72 in last year’s Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The upcoming three-match ODI series between India and England, starting February 6, provides a perfect opportunity for the selectors to assess Chakravarthy’s suitability for the 50-over format. Ashwin expressed his belief that this series could be Chakravarthy’s chance to prove himself in ODIs. “I have a feeling that Varun might get a chance to play in the ODI series between India and England,” Ashwin said, emphasizing that it would be a tough call to take him straight into the Champions Trophy without an ODI appearance.
“If they don’t give him a chance here, then it will be difficult. But, nevertheless, I congratulate Varun for his first Player of the Tournament award. He is the Chakravarthy of T20I cricket at the moment,” Ashwin added, commending Chakravarthy’s rise to prominence in the shortest format.
Looking Ahead: The Future for Varun Chakravarthy
As India prepares for the Champions Trophy, all eyes are on the selectors and the final squad composition. Varun Chakravarthy’s exceptional T20I form has positioned him as a valuable asset for India, but whether he will feature in the Champions Trophy squad remains uncertain. Regardless of the outcome, Ashwin’s endorsement signals the potential of this young spinner, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his next performance on the international stage.
Conclusion: A Rising Star with a Bright Future
Varun Chakravarthy’s remarkable performances in recent T20I series, combined with his domestic success, make him one of the most exciting young spinners in Indian cricket. While his inclusion in India’s Champions Trophy squad is not guaranteed, his impressive form and Ashwin’s support suggest that he could soon make his mark in the 50-over format as well. As the Indian team looks ahead to the Champions Trophy, the decision regarding Chakravarthy’s inclusion will be one to watch closely.
