Spin bowler Varun Chakravarthy has joined India’s ODI squad ahead of the three-match series against England, starting on Thursday, February 6, in Nagpur. The remaining matches will likely be held in Cuttack on February 9 and Ahmedabad on February 12.
Nevertheless, it stays unclear whether the Tamil Nadu cricketer has been officially added to the squad or is barely present for net sessions. Chakravarthy’s inclusion follows his stellar showing within the recent five-match T20I series against England, where he took 14 wickets at a mean of 9.86 and an economy rate of seven.67, earning him the Player of the Series award.
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The star spinner has featured in 18 T20Is for India, picking up 33 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. Nevertheless, he’s yet to make his ODI debut. In List A cricket, Varun has been impressive, taking 59 wickets in only 23 matches at a mean of 14.13, with 4 five-wicket hauls to his name.
R Ashwin Backs Varun Chakravarthy for ODI Likelihood Against England
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin feels that the in-form spinner Varun Chakravarthy might get a likelihood within the India-England ODI series. Nevertheless, with India already naming 4 spinners—Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav—it stays to be seen if Varun finds a spot within the playing XI.
Sharing his thoughts on his YouTube channel, the spin veteran said [via India Today]:
“I actually have a sense that Varun might get a likelihood to play within the ODI series between India and England. I don’t think it’s a simple call to take him on to the Champions Trophy. He has not played ODIs. I actually have a sense they may give him a likelihood within the India vs England ODI series.”
“In the event that they don’t give him a likelihood here, then it’s difficult. But nevertheless, I congratulate Varun for his first Player of the Tournament award. He’s the Chakravarthy of T20I cricket in the mean time. I wish he grows increasingly,” he continued.
Ashwin retired from international cricket after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy match in December 2024. The 38-year-old finished as India’s second-highest wicket-taker with 765 wickets in 287 games.
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