Champions Trophy: Late-addition Varun Chakravarthy boosts India's bowling attack
What's the story
Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was a late addition in India's 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad.
He came in as a replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah.
The 33-year-old recently made his ODI debut, during the three-ODI series against England at home.
Although Chakravarthy played just one game in the series, he is an integral part of Team India's bowling strategy for the mega tournament.
Strategy insight
Chakravarthy's middle-over prowess earns him spot in squad
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized Chakravarthy's knack of breaking opposition batters in the middle overs as the reason behind his selection for the Champions Trophy.
He hinted Chakaravarthy could be India's trump card in the tournament, which starts on February 19.
"The only reason was because we wanted another wicket-taking option in the middle [overs]," Gambhir said, stressing on Chakravarthy's promise as a "massive threat."
Track record
Chakravarthy's T20I performance secures ODI spot
Chakravarthy was the standout performer in India's recent 4-1 T20I series victory over England.
He claimed 14 wickets, the most for an Indian in a bilateral T20I series. His tally also included a historic five-wicket haul.
The spinner has been in phenomenal form ever since his comeback to international cricket.
Since October 2024, he has scalped 31 wickets from 12 T20Is at an average of 11.25 and an economy of 7.18 with two fifers to his name.
Coach's perspective
Chakravarthy's inclusion strengthens India's bowling line-up
Gambhir emphasized the need for a strong bowling line-up for India in the Champions Trophy.
He explained that even if Chakravarthy doesn't find a place in the playing XI, his inclusion strengthens the team's bowling attack.
Notably, Kuldeep Yadav is the only other specialist spinner in the squad.
Though the wrist-spinner would be a starter in India's XI, Chakravarthy's presence will keep the veteran on his toes.
DYK
Second-oldest ODI debutant for India
The 2nd ODI between India and England at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack marked Chakravarthy's debut.
As per Cricbuzz, Chakravarthy has become the second-oldest debutant for India in ODI cricket, at 33 years and 164 days.
In the 2024/25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he picked five wickets against Rajasthan in a preliminary quarter-final clash.
With 18 wickets at 12.16, he finished the tourney as the second-highest wicket-taker.
Information
Phenomenal numbers in List A cricket
Chakravarthy has now featured in 24 List A games, having taken 60 wickets. He made his List A debut in 2018 for Tamil Nadu against Gujarat in Chennai. Chakravarthy's List A average of 14.80 is the best among bowlers with 50-plus wickets, as per Cricbuzz (5W: 4).