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Varun Chakaravarthy has caused a stir in Indian cricket with his stunning white-ball form.
Ravindra Jadeja. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Former India opener Aakash Chopra said on Saturday that he has been ‘hearing’ there’s a strong chance BCCI selectors pick off-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in the 2025 Champions Trophy squad at the cost of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Chopra believes that all-rounder Axar Patel might also get the nod.
Chakaravarthy has been in the form of his life in the past year. He was the top wicket-taker in IPL 2024 and has so far been leading the charts in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier 50-over tournament. Though Tamil Nadu have been ruled out of the tournament, Chakaravarthy picked up 18 wickets in six matches at an average of 12.72.
“Varun Chakaravarthy is picking up wickets one after the other. He has done well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy also. He took a five-wicket haul against Rajasthan and has been continuously doing well. Since he has returned to the Indian T20I team, he has been picking up wickets every single time,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“The rumor market is hot, the Indian cricket atmosphere has become like that as we get a lot of source-based news and a few of them come true, that Varun Chakaravarthy could be picked for the Champions Trophy. If he gets picked, who will go out – Ravindra Jadeja. That’s what I have been hearing,” he added.
“I hope I hadn’t heard that but it has come now that Ravindra Jadeja might not be picked and you might see Varun Chakaravarthy in his place in the XI. There is a strong possibility. So you will see Axar in place of Jaddu,” he said.
Jadeja, 36, has already retired from T20Is and his ODI batting ability has diminished a bit in recent months. However, he has been able to keep up with his peers with the ball and averaged 28.19 in 2023.
‘Only one of Varun and Kuldeep will play’: Aakash Chopra
Chakaravarthy’s chances for selection have also increased in light of Kuldeep Yadav’s fitness concerns. The left-arm wrist spinner underwent a hernia operation recently and hasn’t played in months.
Chopra believes that even if he’s fit, only one of the two aggressive spinners will get a chance in India’s 11.
“For all we know, Washington Sundar might also be picked. All these things are being floated, but I am thinking you won’t then get to see batting after No. 7. Our batting will finish at No. 7 and then we will have four proper bowlers. I feel only one of Varun and Kuldeep will play. Both won’t be able to play,” he said.
