Tamil Nadu spinner Varun Chakravarthy is likely to replace the injured Kuldeep Yadav in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, leaving out Yuzvendra Chahal.
The BCCI selectors are expected to finalize India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the home white-ball series against England this weekend. Reports from News18 suggest Kuldeep Yadav might miss out due to fitness issues. The left-arm spinner, with 172 wickets in 106 ODIs, has been sidelined since October 2024 due to an injury. If unfit, Tamil Nadu’s Varun Chakravarthy is likely to take his place, ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal.
Chahal last played an ODI in January 2024 and has been out of the team since August 2023. Meanwhile, Chakravarthy has impressed selectors with a strong Vijay Hazare Trophy performance, taking 18 wickets in six matches, including two five-wicket hauls. Though he is yet to debut in ODIs, his recent form has made him a strong contender for a spot in India’s 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy.
Varun Chakravarthy also recently showcased his form in T20Is, playing three matches against Bangladesh in October 2024 and four against South Africa in November. He claimed 3 for 31 in his comeback game in Gwalior and added two more wickets in the second T20I in Delhi. Against South Africa, he took 12 wickets in four matches, surpassing R. Ashwin’s record for the most wickets in a bilateral T20I series for India.
As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting February 19 in Karachi, Rohit Sharma is set to lead the squad despite his Test struggles. Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya are certain picks. Jasprit Bumrah’s availability remains uncertain due to a back spasm.
Last Updated on January 10, 2025
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