Varun Chakaravarthy might make it to India's Champions Trophy squad: R Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin feels that statemate Varun Chakaravarthy might make a late entry into India's squad for the impending Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19. Like all other teams, India announced a provisional 15-man squad for the marquee event. Chakaravarthy was not picked in that side. However, Ashwin believes that the mystery spinner's impressive performances in T20I cricket could help him make the cut.

Chakaravarthy had an underwhelming first stint with the Indian team during the 2021 T20 World Cup. He was out of the national team for three years before making a memorable comeback in 2024 in a home series against Bangladesh. Since his return, the 33-year-old has taken 31 wickets from 12 matches at a remarkable average of just 11.25. He recently played a major role in India's 4-1 T20I series win against England. Chakaravarthy won the Player of the Series award for picking up 14 wickets from five matches.

Ashwin opined that India could make a change to their provisionally announced 15-man squad to include Chakarvarthy before the February 12 deadline. India had initially named four spinners in the squad, namely Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.

“We are all talking about whether he should have been there (Champions Trophy squad). I am thinking there is a chance he might be there. I have a feeling he might make it. There is a chance because all teams have named only a provisional squad. So he might get picked,” R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“But if you look at the existing squad, if a seamer goes out and Varun comes in, it will be an added spinner (five). I don’t know who they would want to drop (if they think about getting Varun in). We will wait and see,” he added.

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India are set to play a three-match ODI series against England before the Champions Trophy. The squad for the England series is the same as the one picked for the Champions Trophy. However, Jasprit Bumrah's availability is still under the cloud and this could open the door for Chakaravarthy's maiden ODI call-up.

“I have a feeling that Varun might get a chance to play in the ODI series between India and England. I don’t think it’s an easy call to take him directly to the Champions Trophy. He has not played ODIs. I have a feeling they will give him a chance in the ODI series. If they don’t give him a chance here, then it’s difficult,” Ashwin said.

Chakaravarthy has played 23 List A matches so far and picked up 59 wickets at an average of 14.13 and a strike rate of 19.80. He also had four five-wicket hauls in the 50-over format.