Spin bowler Varun Chakravarthy has joined India’s ODI squad ahead of the three-match series against England, starting on Thursday, February 6, in Nagpur. The remaining matches will be held in Cuttack on February 9 and Ahmedabad on February 12.
However, it remains unclear whether the Tamil Nadu cricketer has been officially added to the squad or is only present for net sessions. Chakravarthy’s inclusion follows his stellar showing in the recent five-match T20I series against England, where he took 14 wickets at an average of 9.86 and an economy rate of 7.67, earning him the Player of the Series award.
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The star spinner has featured in 18 T20Is for India, picking up 33 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. However, he is yet to make his ODI debut. In List A cricket, Varun has been impressive, taking 59 wickets in just 23 matches at an average of 14.13, with four five-wicket hauls to his name.
R Ashwin Backs Varun Chakravarthy for ODI Chance Against England
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin feels that the in-form spinner Varun Chakravarthy might get a chance in the India-England ODI series. However, with India already naming four spinners—Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav—it remains to be seen if Varun finds a spot in the playing XI.
Sharing his thoughts on his YouTube channel, the spin veteran said [via India Today]:
“I have a feeling that Varun might get a chance to play in the ODI series between India and England. I don’t think it’s an easy call to take him directly to the Champions Trophy. He has not played ODIs. 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. But nevertheless, I congratulate Varun for his first Player of the Tournament award. He is the Chakravarthy of T20I cricket at the moment. I wish he grows more and more,” he continued.
Ashwin retired from international cricket after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy match in December 2024. The 38-year-old finished as India’s second-highest wicket-taker with 765 wickets in 287 games.
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