Zaheer Khan predicts delayed ODI debut for Varun Chakravarthy
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan has hinted that spinner Varun Chakravarthy's ODI debut could face a delay.
Speaking on Cricbuzz ahead of the 2nd ODI, Zaheer stated, "I think they would want to finish the series and then look at making other changes."
Chakravarthy, who was recently added to the Indian ODI squad against England, was expected to play in the three-match series after his stellar performance in the T20I leg.
Strategy analysis
Zaheer Khan's insights on India's strategy
Ahead of the second ODI against England, Zaheer Khan shared his insights and suggested that India is unlikely to alter their bowling line-up unless they secure an unassailable lead in the series.
"I think they would want to finish the series and then look at making other changes," stated Zaheer.
Meanwhile, this comes after India's victory in the first ODI in Nagpur, with the second match scheduled for Sunday, February 9, in Cuttack.
Lineup prediction
Zaheer predicts only 1 change in India's lineup
Zaheer Khan had predicted that the only change in India's lineup would be the inclusion of Virat Kohli.
He said, "Keeping the next game in mind, if Virat is fit and available, he will come into the playing XI."
This comes after Shreyas Iyer disclosed that he wasn't initially picked for the first ODI but had to step in due to Kohli's knee injury.
India could keep Iyer in the XI and send Yashasvi Jaiswal to the bench.
Player spotlight
Zaheer highlights importance of Shami's participation
Zaheer Khan stressed on the importance of Mohammed Shami's involvement in the series.
He said, "Shami playing is very important because he came back from injury, so game time is very important for him."
He also lauded Harshit Rana's debut performance and didn't expect any changes there. Regarding the pacer's debut, Zaheer stated, "Harshit had a good debut, so I do not see that change either."
These insights give us a glimpse of India's possible strategy for the upcoming matches.
Squad
Varun Chakravarthy was added to the ODI squad
As mentioned, Chakravarthy joined Team India's ODI squad in Nagpur after a successful T20I series.
Chakravarthy was added to the 50-over setup ahead of the team's ODI series against England.
Meanwhile, the star spinner wasn't part of the original squad.
Additionally, his inclusion comes after his brilliant performance against England in the recent five-T20I series, where he scalped 14 wickets and was named the Player of the Series.
Stats
A look at the mystery spinner's List A numbers
According to ESPNcricinfo, the spinner shined in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy bagging 18 wickets (six innings) with an average of 12.16 for Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, he owns 59 wickets in 23 matches at an average of 14.13. He also boasts an economy rate of 4.28 including four five-wicket hauls.
Additionally, his best bowling innings are worth 5/9.