Published By: Sanchari Das

Why Varun Chakaravarthy Deserves a Spot in the Champions Trophy Team?

Consistent, versatile, and unpredictable—why Varun Chakaravarthy could be the secret weapon for the Champions Trophy

The Indian cricket team is no stranger to controversy when it comes to squad selection. The omission of Varun Chakaravarthy from the upcoming Champions Trophy squad has left fans scratching their heads. A bowler in top form, Chakaravarthy has been a revelation in recent months. Let’s dive into why the mystery spinner should have been a lock for the CT team.

A match-winning performance against England

On January 22, India faced England in the first T20I of a five-match series. Chasing a modest target of 133 runs, India cruised to a seven-wicket victory in just 12.5 overs. While Abhishek Sharma stole the show with his blistering 79 off 34 balls, it was Chakaravarthy who set the tone early with the ball.

Bowling with precision and guile, he dismantled England’s batting order. His three-wicket haul at Eden Gardens earned him the title of the best bowler of the match. He dismissed key players like Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, and Harry Brook. These performances underline his ability to deliver under pressure.

A year of dominance

Chakaravarthy has been in scintillating form over the past year. Under Gautam Gambhir's guidance, he has redefined his craft, becoming a force to be reckoned with. In the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he finished as the joint-leading wicket-taker, claiming 18 scalps in just six matches for Tamil Nadu. This performance alone made a strong case for his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad.

His T20I stats are equally impressive. Since rejoining the national side, he has taken 17 wickets in seven matches. These include a five-wicket haul against South Africa and a consistent showing against Bangladesh. His recent exploits in the IPL also deserve mention—21 wickets at an average of 19.14 for the Kolkata Knight Riders in their title-winning campaign.

The power of variation

What sets Chakaravarthy apart from other spinners is his mastery of variation. While Kuldeep Yadav, another mystery spinner, relies on traditional leg spin and occasional wrong ones, Chakaravarthy is a constant enigma. He mixes his deliveries masterfully, often bowling three balls into the batter and three away in an over. This ability to keep batters guessing has been his hallmark.

With pitches in Dubai expected to assist spinners, having a bowler with such skill would be an invaluable asset. His economy rate of 6.71 in T20Is and a best performance of 5/17 highlight his effectiveness.

Experience vs. form

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee opted for experience over form, picking Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar as the spinners for the Champions Trophy. While these are all excellent players, questions remain about their recent performances and fitness levels.

Kuldeep, for instance, is returning from a groin injury that required surgery. Though he recently resumed training, his match fitness is yet to be tested. In contrast, Chakaravarthy has been consistently performing in domestic and international cricket, proving his readiness.

The case for Chakaravarthy

It’s not just about stats and skills; it’s about impact. Chakaravarthy has shown time and again that he can deliver in crunch moments. His ability to dismantle batting lineups, recent form, and proven record in Dubai-like conditions make him an ideal candidate for the Champions Trophy. While India’s chosen squad is strong, leaving out a player of Chakaravarthy’s calibre feels like a missed opportunity.