Champions Trophy 2025: Aakash Chopra speculates Varun Chakravarthy coming in for Ravindra Jadeja

As the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy looms closer, Varun Chakravarthy has been tipped to make it to the 15-member squad. It is also being reported that he might find a place in the squad for India's home series against England, just to make him gain adequate game time ahead of the marquee event. Chakravarthy has never played an ODI before and might feature in the squad soon.

Amidst all the speculations surrounding the involvement of Chakravarthy, former Indian cricketer, Aakash Chopra, complimented the spinner's domestic and international form with the ball. 

"Varun Chakaravarthy is picking up wickets one after the other. He has done well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy also. He took a five-wicket haul against Rajasthan and has been continuously doing well. Since he has returned to the Indian T20I team, he has been picking up wickets every single time," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

He also conjectured the possible exclusion of Ravindra Jadeja to accommodate the 33-year-old spinner. 

"The rumour market is hot, the Indian cricket atmosphere has become like that as we get a lot of source-based news and a few of them come true, that Varun Chakaravarthy could be picked for the Champions Trophy. If he gets picked, who will go out - Ravindra Jadeja? That's what I have been hearing," he added.

Also Read: Reports: India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad announcement may be delayed

You will see Axar in place of Jaddu: Chopra

Chopra further reported that Axar Patel might get the nod ahead of Jadeja for being the left-handed spin-bowling all-rounder for India.

"I hope I hadn't heard that but it has come now that Ravindra Jadeja might not be picked and you might see Varun Chakaravarthy in his place in the XI. There is a strong possibility. So, you will see Axar in place of Jaddu," noted Chopra.

Champions Trophy 2025 will be the ninth instalment of the tournament. It is expected for India to go ahead with their strongest options, keeping the subcontinental conditions in mind.