Varun Chakravarthy’s Rise in Indian Cricket
Tamil Nadu’s spin sensation, Varun Chakravarthy, has been the talk of the town with his brilliant performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT). As India gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Varun’s form couldn’t have come at a better time. His consistent wicket-taking spells have propelled him ahead of an injured Kuldeep Yadav for a potential spot in the prestigious tournament.
Varun’s Stellar VHT Run
Chakravarthy has delivered match-winning spells throughout the VHT, showcasing his knack for picking up wickets in crucial moments. Here’s how he fared in his last six matches:
| Spell in VHT | Vs |
|---|---|
| 2/36 | Uttar Pradesh |
| 2/39 | Jammu & Kashmir |
| 1/49 | Vidarbha |
| 5/9 | Mizoram |
| 3/34 | Chhattisgarh |
| 5/52 | Rajasthan |
His latest performance, a 5/52 haul against Rajasthan in the pre-quarterfinal, has solidified his claim to be part of India’s Champions Trophy squad.
Varun vs. Kuldeep – The Selection Dilemma
Kuldeep Yadav, recovering from an injury, has just started bowling in the nets. Despite his past performances, his fitness remains a concern, and his absence from the IND vs. AUS Test series further underscores his struggles. On the other hand, Varun’s current form and ability to perform under pressure make him a compelling choice.
Past International Experience
While yet to make his ODI debut, Varun’s T20I career highlights his potential. In a T20I against South Africa in 2024, he bagged five wickets, dismissing key players like Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, and David Miller. Despite his efforts, India narrowly missed the win, but Varun’s talent shone through.
What Lies Ahead?
With 83 IPL wickets under his belt and a red-hot streak in domestic cricket, Varun Chakravarthy is knocking on the door of India’s ODI squad. Will he replace Kuldeep Yadav in the Champions Trophy 2025 lineup? The selectors have a tough decision to make.
