In a strategic move that has cricket enthusiasts buzzing, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the inclusion of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the Indian squad for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against England. This decision comes in the wake of Chakravarthy’s exceptional performance during the T20I series against the same opposition, where he emerged as the Player of the Series, scalping an impressive 14 wickets.
Varun Chakravarthy, known for his deceptive spin and variety of deliveries, has been a standout performer for India in the shortest format of the game. After making his return to the Indian team last year, Chakravarthy has dominated with 31 wickets in 12 T20I matches, including two five-wicket hauls. His recent performance in the T20I series against England was particularly noteworthy, where he baffled the English batsmen with his mystery spin, culminating in a five-wicket haul in Rajkot.
The decision to include him in the ODI squad was confirmed in a statement by the BCCI, “The Men’s Selection Committee has added Varun Chakaravarthy to India’s squad for the upcoming 3-match ODI series against England.” His addition to the squad in Nagpur for this series not only signifies recognition of his recent success but also hints at the Indian team’s strategy to bolster their spin attack ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Former cricketers and current analysts have weighed in on this development. Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian spinner, has publicly supported Chakravarthy’s inclusion, suggesting that his performance in the England series could lead to his selection for the Champions Trophy. On the other hand, Kevin Pietersen, the former England captain, while acknowledging Chakravarthy’s prowess, speculated that England’s batsmen might handle him better in the longer format due to the additional time they would get to read his bowling.
Chakravarthy joins a formidable spin attack that includes Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. His inclusion now means India has five spinners in the squad, indicating a strategic depth in spin bowling for this series.
The ODI series against England is set to start on February 6, with the first match in Nagpur. This series is particularly significant as it serves as India’s final preparation event before the Champions Trophy, offering Chakravarthy a golden opportunity to prove his worth in the longer format.
Varun Chakravarthy’s journey from not being initially selected for the ODI squad to becoming a key addition showcases the dynamic nature of cricket selections and the importance of current form. His performance in this series could be pivotal, not just for the immediate matches but for his future in international cricket, particularly with an eye on the Champions Trophy.
As the cricket community watches with anticipation, Chakravarthy’s inclusion adds an exciting narrative to India’s campaign, promising a blend of mystery spin and tactical bowling that could define the series against England.