Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma hints at Varun Chakravarthy's potential inclusion
What's the story
Indian cricket team captain, Rohit Sharma, has hinted that spinner Varun Chakravarthy could be included in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad.
Rohit made the statement during the pre-match press conference on the eve of the 1st ODI against England.
The Indian skipper stressed that Chakravarthy's run in the impending ODI series would be instrumental in his selection for the Champions Trophy.
Chakravarthy was recently added to India's ODI squad after his incredible T20I performance.
Captain's endorsement
Rohit praises Chakravarthy's unique skills
Rohit also lauded Chakravarthy's unique skills at the press conference.
He said, "Yeah look, he has certainly shown something different. I understand that it is a T20 format but he has clearly got something different about him."
The Indian skipper added that the upcoming series against England would be an opportunity to test Chakravarthy's capabilities further.
Chances
'Chakravarthy definitely in contention,' says Rohit
Rohit added that Chakravarthy is in contention for the Champions Trophy.
"It presents us an opportunity to play him at some stage and see what he is capable of. We are not thinking about whether we are going to take him or not but definitely he will be in contention. If things plan out really well for us and he does what is required then definitely there is something that we need to think about," the Indian skipper said.
Record-breaking feat
Chakravarthy's impressive performance in T20I series
Chakravarthy, who is yet to make his ODI debut, was the standout performer in India's recent 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.
This achievement has significantly boosted his chances of being considered for the Champions Trophy squad.
Veteran's backing
Ashwin supports Chakravarthy's inclusion in ODI squad
Former Indian spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, has also backed Chakravarthy's inclusion in the ODI squad against England.
Ashwin, on his YouTube channel, emphasized Chakravarthy's brilliant performance in the T20I series and hinted that he could be tested in the ICC tournament.
He said, "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."
Preparation phase
Chakravarthy trains with Indian ODI team
As mentioned, Chakravarthy has already joined Team India's ODI squad in Nagpur. The star spinner wasn't part of original squad.
Chakravarthy reportedly trained with the Indian ODI side on February 4.
He bowled to Indian batters for over an hour during a practice session at the VCA Stadium, the venue for the 1st ODI.
The training session comes as part of his preparation for the upcoming three-ODI series against England, starting February 6.
Rise
Will Chakravarthy play against England?
Although Chakravarthy hasn't played an ODI for India, he has an impressive domestic record with 23 List A matches for Tamil Nadu.
His last outing was in the 2024/25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he picked five wickets against Rajasthan in a preliminary quarter-final clash.
Notably, India already have four spinners - Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar - for the England series. It remains to be seen if Chakravarthy will make the cut.