Nagpur, Feb 4 (PTI) – Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, fresh off his match-winning performances in the T20I series against England, has linked up with the Indian ODI squad as team management looks to maintain his momentum.
Chakravarthy, who was adjudged Player of the Series after claiming 14 wickets in five T20Is, has not been included in the three-match ODI series against England or the upcoming Champions Trophy. However, his presence in the nets on Tuesday, bowling to the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant, signals that he remains in the selectors' periphery.
Gambhir's Strategic Move?
Head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly keen on keeping Chakravarthy in rhythm despite his omission from the ODI squad. With the deadline for Champions Trophy squad changes set for February 12, the 32-year-old remains a potential candidate for a last-minute inclusion. However, given that he has yet to feature in an ODI, his selection remains uncertain.India's current spin lineup for the Champions Trophy includes three finger spinners—Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar—alongside lone wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who is making a comeback after undergoing sports hernia surgery in October 2024.
A senior BCCI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Chakravarthy’s inclusion in the training sessions but downplayed immediate selection prospects.
"For now, the team management wants Varun to bowl in ODI squad nets ahead of the England series. With the domestic white-ball season over and no matches lined up until the IPL, keeping him in good rhythm is the priority," the source stated.
Chakravarthy’s Champions Trophy Prospects
Despite not being an official squad member, Chakravarthy’s recent form could work in his favor. India lacks a second wrist-spinner in their Champions Trophy squad, and his mystery spin could prove valuable, particularly given his effectiveness on batting-friendly tracks.While Chakravarthy struggled in Dubai during the 2021 T20 World Cup, his improved variations and greater reliance on over-spin have made him a more formidable force. England’s batters have struggled against him, and potential Champions Trophy opponents Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Pakistan may also find his variations challenging.
Moreover, his recent domestic performances bolster his case—Chakravarthy claimed 18 wickets for Tamil Nadu in the National One Day Championship, demonstrating his effectiveness in the 50-over format.
Although the selectors have finalized their spin options for now, any last-minute discussions between the team management and the selection committee could open the door for Chakravarthy’s inclusion in the marquee ICC event.
