Varun Chakaravarthy was instrumental in India’s triumph at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Featuring in three matches, the Tamil Nadu spinner claimed nine wickets, emerging as one of India’s key performers. He made a memorable tournament debut against New Zealand in the Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 2, where he bagged five wickets.
Continuing his fine form, Varun picked up two wickets each in the semifinal against Australia and the final against New Zealand, finishing as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker. The 34-year-old, who represents Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, credited former India skipper Rohit Sharma for his selection in the Champions Trophy squad.
Varun admitted that he hadn’t expected to make the cut for the tournament, but it was Rohit’s support and belief that earned him the opportunity to be part of the victorious campaign.
“I didn’t expect to be in the Champions Trophy squad, but thanks to Rohit Bhai and the coaching staff,” Chakaravarthy said during the CEAT Cricket Awards in Mumbai.
#WATCH | Mumbai | At the CEAT Cricket Awards, Indian cricketer Varun Chakaravarthy said, "When I made my comeback, Suryakumar and Gautam Gambhir spoke to me and told me that we are looking at you as one of the wicket takers for the Indian team. They have backed me throughout. I… pic.twitter.com/wX6E4PshMa
— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2025
Chakaravarthy’s inclusion in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad came as a surprise to many. The spinner was selected for the eight-team event even though he hadn’t featured in a single 50-over game for the national side prior to the squad announcement.
“Surya and GG Backed Me as a Wicket-Taker”- Varun Chakaravarthy
Reflecting on his return to the Indian team last year, Varun Chakravarthy acknowledged head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav for boosting his confidence and assigning him a clear role in the squad.
“When I made my comeback, Surya and GG (Gautam Gambhir), they told me that we are looking at you as one of the wicket-takers for the Indian team and they have backed me throughout. For that, I have to give them the credit,” he said.
“I was out of the team for more than three years, but I did have a consecutive good IPL (seasons). For them to recognise that and bring me in the team, was great for me.”
“My role is to take wickets, keep attacking the stumps and nothing else. Take up the tougher job as in bowl in the powerplay, bowl one over in the death and two overs in the middle — that’s the role that they have given and I’m happy to do that,” Chakravarthy added.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
