ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ravichandran Ashwin Hints at T20I Superstar’s ODI Selection
Ashwin Suggests Varun Chakravarthy Could Be Included in India’s ODI Squad for Champions Trophy
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind the inclusion of T20I superstar Varun Chakravarthy in the India squad for both the upcoming ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Ashwin believes that Chakravarthy, despite not yet being included in the official squad, has a strong chance of being added as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has only announced a provisional squad, leaving room for last-minute changes.
“I have a feeling he might make it,” Ashwin said on his official YouTube channel, referring to Chakravarthy’s potential ODI call-up. “There’s a chance because all teams have named only a provisional squad. So, Varun could get picked.”
Ashwin further explained that if a seamer were to be dropped from the squad, the selectors could bring in Chakravarthy, thus adding another spinner to India’s arsenal. “I don’t know who they would want to drop if they think about getting Varun in, but we’ll have to wait and see,” he added.
The current ICC Champions Trophy squad includes three seamers and four spinners: Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja as spinners, and Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah (whose availability is still uncertain) as pacers.
Ashwin Predicts Varun Chakravarthy May Feature in ODI Series Against England
Ravichandran Ashwin also suggested that Chakravarthy could get a chance to play in the upcoming ODI series between India and England, before any potential call-up for the Champions Trophy.
“I have a feeling that Varun might get a chance to play in the ODI series. I don’t think it’s an easy call to take him directly to the Champions Trophy without any ODI experience,” Ashwin explained. “But if they don’t give him a chance here, it will be difficult. Nevertheless, I congratulate Varun for his first Player of the Tournament award. He is currently the Chakravarthy of T20I cricket, and I wish he continues to grow.”
Varun Chakravarthy’s Sensational Form in T20Is
Varun Chakravarthy has been in scintillating form since his return to international cricket, emerging as one of the most dangerous T20I bowlers globally. His exceptional skills and variations have made him a nightmare for batsmen, including those from England and South Africa.
In the recent T20I series against England, Chakravarthy claimed 14 wickets in five matches, with an impressive average of 9.85, an economy rate of 7.66, and a strike rate of 7.7. Before that, he played four T20Is in South Africa, bagging 12 wickets at an average of 11.50, an economy rate of 8.62, and a strike rate of 8.0.
Although Chakravarthy has yet to feature in an ODI for India, his recent performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy—where he picked up 18 wickets in 6 matches—could make him a strong contender for the squad.
For live updates and to watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, visit mobicric.org.