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Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has revealed the reasons behind the addition of Varun Chakravarthy to the ODI squad for the England series. As per Rohit, Chakravarthy’s inclusion comes due to his exceptional performances in T20Is and the novelty factor that he brings into the side.
Chakravarthy made his international comeback last year after getting dropped in 2021. It was due to his impressive performances in the domestic circuit and him emerging as the second-highest wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League 2024.
The wily spinner scalped five wickets in three games against Bangladesh and 12 wickets in four appearances against South Africa.
In the recently concluded England series, he bagged 14 wickets in five games, sparking conversation of him being worthy enough for the Champions Trophy.
Here’s what Rohit said to reporters about Chakravarthy on the eve of the first ODI against England in Nagpur:
“Yeah, look, he has certainly shown something different. I understand that it is the T20 format, but he’s clearly got something different about him, so we just wanted to have an option and see what we can do with him. Clearly during this series, it presents us an opportunity to play him at some stage and see what he’s capable of.”
On being asked whether Varun Chakravarthy is in line for getting added to the Champions Trophy squad as well, Rohit Sharma said:
“Right now, we are not thinking about whether we’re going to take him [to the Champions Trophy] or not, but definitely he will be in contention. If things pan out really well for us and he does what is required, then definitely there is something that we need to think about.”
Varun Chakravarthy rises to No. 3 spot in T20I rankings
After sensational performances against England in January 2025, Varun Chakravarthy has jumped three spots to become No. 3-ranked bowler in the ICC T20I rankings. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi also climbed four places to take up the No. 6 spot after taking five wickets in as many games against England.
The year 2024 turned out to be Chakravarthy’s best in terms of consistent performances and getting recalled back to the Indian side.
Notably, Varun Chakravarthy took nine wickets in seven games in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, and returned as the second-highest wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.
“I find it very tough playing SMAT,” Varun was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “It has definitely helped me to get better, be more instinctive, be on my toes, and think correctly at the right moment.”
