Ravichandran Ashwin Backs Varun Chakravarthy for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Spot

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed hope that spinner Varun Chakravarthy will be included in India's squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Despite having never played an ODI for India, Varun's recent impressive performances in T20Is have caught the attention of many, including Ashwin.

Varun Chakravarthy's Impressive T20I Performance

Varun Chakravarthy has been in sensational form, especially during India’s recent 4-1 T20I series victory over England. The mystery spinner picked up 14 wickets from five matches, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. While Varun has been successful in T20Is, having taken 33 wickets in 18 matches, he has yet to make his ODI debut for India.

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Ashwin Backs Varun for the Champions Trophy

Ravichandran Ashwin believes that there is a good chance for Varun to make it into India's Champions Trophy squad. “I have a feeling he might make it. There is a chance because all teams have named only a provisional squad. So, he might get picked,” Ashwin said during a show on his YouTube channel. However, Ashwin also pointed out that the team management might face a difficult decision, especially if a seamer is replaced by Varun, adding another spinner to the squad.

Varun's ODI Debut Possibilities

While Varun is not part of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against England, Ashwin feels that this could be his opportunity to make his ODI debut. “I have a feeling they will give him a chance in the India vs England ODI series. If they don’t give him a chance here, then it’s difficult,” Ashwin added. If Varun performs well in the series, he could secure a place in the Champions Trophy squad.

Varun's Rise in T20I Cricket

Chakravarthy's rise in T20I cricket has been remarkable. In 2023, he was named the Player of the Tournament in a T20I series against South Africa, where he claimed 12 wickets in four matches. Ashwin commended Varun's growth, calling him the “Chakaravarthy of T20I cricket at the moment.” He also expressed his wishes for Varun to continue evolving as a cricketer.

Ashwin's Thoughts on Samson and Suryakumar Yadav’s Struggles

Ashwin also discussed the poor form of Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) and Sanju Samson during India’s T20I series against England. While Suryakumar Yadav managed only 28 runs from five matches, Sanju Samson scored 51 runs in the same number of games. Ashwin pointed out the similarity in the way both players got out, playing similar shots and making similar mistakes. He referenced a Tamil film, Thillu Millu, to explain their repetitive errors. UC Cricket fans have been discussing these struggles as both players continue to face challenges in their game.

“It is very surprising from both players,” Ashwin said, highlighting how their dismissals were almost identical in nature. Ashwin also mentioned that for Suryakumar, it was time to change his approach. For Sanju, Ashwin suggested that mental pressure might be affecting his game.

Looking Ahead

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws closer, all eyes will be on the Indian squad selection. With the provisional squads due to be finalized soon, the inclusion of Varun Chakravarthy remains a topic of interest, and fans will be hoping that his excellent form continues to earn him opportunities at the international level.