Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed hope that one change the BCCI will make to the India Champions Trophy squad 2025 will be the inclusion of Tamil Nadu spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. In the recently concluded T20I series of five matches against England, the 33-year-old once again was excellent with the ball for India, ending his account with 14 wickets. Chakaravarthy, who has not yet played a 50-over game for Team India, bagged the distinction of Player of the Series because of his excellent bowling. He made a very good name for himself in the four-game T20I series against South Africa in November 2024 and took out 12 batsmen.
Given how Varun has impressed Ashwin of recent times, Ashwin, who has hung up his boots in international cricket on December 18, 2024, said that he has a feeling it might get Varun into the Champions Trophy squad from India.
“There are talks around if he ever should have been here,” Ashwin said in his YouTube channel, “I feel, by all means, there is a chance he might be there. I feel that there is a chance because all teams are yet to submit only a provisional squad. Hence, he might actually get picked.”
“But, if you look at the existing squad with the seamer dropping out and Varun coming in, that means you’re adding one more spinner to a five-pronged attack. So, it would all depend on whom they would want to drop from the squad if they want to include Varun. Let’s wait and see.”
Aswin was part of the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squad for India, captained by MS Dhoni, which overpowered England in the final. Ashwin feels Varun will get to play the upcoming three-match ODI series against England.
“I have a feeling Varun may play the ODI series against India and England. I don’t know if the call for him straight to the Champions Trophy would be very easy. He has not played ODIs. I have a feeling they will give him a chance in the India vs England ODI series,” said Ashwin.
“Then it will be difficult if they don’t give him a chance. However, I still congratulate Varun on his first Player of the Tournament award. He is the Chakaravarthy of T20I cricket right now. I wish him the best in his growth,” he finished.
For those not in the know, Chakaravarthy is not part of India’s ODI squad against England but could soon join the side following impressive performances in the shortest format.
