Ravichandran Ashwin claims Varun Chakaravarthy was ‘robbed’ of CT 2025 'Player of the Tournament' award

Former Team India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked the Player of the Tournament for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Ravichandran Ashwin said that Varun Chakaravarthy deserved the Player of the Tournament award in the Champions Trophy, adding that he was the 'X-factor' for the Men in Blue.

Varun Chakaravarthy played a crucial role in India's victory during the Champions Trophy. He did not play all matches but made a huge impact in three games. The mystery spinner picked up nine wickets at an impressive average of 15.11, including a five-wicket haul against New Zealand in the group stage.

Varun Chakaravarthy Was Such a Big Difference - Ravichandran Ashwin

The 33-year-old joined Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja as the fourth spinner in India's playing XI. The spinner provided an early breakthrough for India by dismissing Will Young in the final against New Zealand. He also removed Glenn Phillips, which shifted the momentum in his team's favour.

Speaking on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat', Ravichandran Ashwin stated that Varun brought the 'X-factor' to the team. He emphasized that the final could have had a very different outcome without Varun.

"Whatever said and done, the Player of the Tournament, in my view, was Varun Chakaravarthy. He didn't play the entire tournament. He was such a big difference. If Varun Chakaravarthy wasn't there, I think this game would have been very different. He brought that X-factor and the novelty factor. If I were the judge, I would have given it to Varun. He was the biggest difference," Ashwin said.

Varun Chakaravarthy Has to Be the Player of the Series - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin was in awe of Varun's tactical brilliance. Ashwin stated that the Player of the Series award should go to the player who made the biggest difference.

"Just look at how he dismissed Glenn Phillips. He wasn't covering the stumps, so Varun went wide of the crease and bowled that googly. In my view, Varun has to be the Player of the Series. The award should be given to someone who made the biggest difference. Varun Chakaravarthy deserves the Player of the Series award," Ashwin added.

I Am So Happy for Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir - Ravichandran Ashwin

The 38-year-old said that he is happy for Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir after the Champions Trophy victory. He praised Gambhir for making a bold decision that contributed to the team's success.

"I am so happy for Rohit and Gautam Gambhir. Just spare a thought for GG. What must he be going through? Losing Test series against New Zealand, you have been losing a few. But you made a remarkable decision. There was no Jasprit Bumrah. Remarkably, this Indian team won the Champions Trophy without Bumrah," Ashwin continued.

The Indian spin quartet of Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja conceded 144 runs and took five wickets in 38 overs. India restricted New Zealand to 251/7 in 50 overs.

In response, India comfortably chased down 252 with one over to spare. Rohit Sharma scored 76, while Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer made valuable contributions to guide the team to victory.

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