Varun Chakravarthy set to make ODI debut? Spinner officially joins India squad

India mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has joined the Rohit Sharma-led side in Nagpur for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England at home. According to the latest reports, Varun Chakravarthy will be part of the team as they prepare for the series, with an eye on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Team India has named their 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, which will begin on February 19. Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar are included. The team has until February 11 to make any changes to the provisional squad before finalizing it for the tournament.

Varun Chakravarthy Forces Team Management to Consider Him for ODI Series

Varun Chakravarthy's impressive performance in the recently concluded T20I series against England has sparked discussions about his inclusion in the ODI squad. The 33-year-old was named Player of the Series after taking 14 wickets in five matches, with an average of 9.85 and an economy rate of 7.66.

Chakravarthy's memorable performance came during the third T20I, where he picked up a five-wicket haul. His 14 wickets in the England series are the most by an Indian bowler in a bilateral T20I series. Since his return to the Indian T20I team last year, Chakravarthy has taken 31 wickets in 12 matches.

Varun Chakravarthy Joins India Squad in Nagpur Ahead of England ODIs

Varun Chakravarthy is yet to make his ODI debut and is mostly known for his T20 expertise. Following his strong performance in recent T20Is, there's speculation about whether the selectors might consider him for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to commence on February 19.

The 33-year-old mystery spinner is currently training with the Indian ODI squad in Nagpur ahead of the England series. However, he has not been officially added to the team yet. The selectors and team management might reveal details about his training with the squad soon.

"Varun Chakravarthy is with the India squad in Nagpur ahead of England ODIs. Included in the squad? No official word yet :)" Times of India journalist Sahil Malhotra wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Varun Chakaravarthy is with India squad in Nagpur ahead of England ODIs. Included in the squad?

No official word yet :)

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) February 4, 2025

Varun CV is in Nagpur, training with the Indian ODI team. He is yet to be officially added to the squad though…#indvseng pic.twitter.com/69LOaXvLHe

— Sandipan Banerjee (@im_sandipan) February 4, 2025

Team India Shifts Focus to 50-Over Format After 4-1 Victory in T20I Series

The focus for Team India now shifts to the 50-over format after their dominant 4-1 victory in the T20I series against England. The three-match ODI series between India and England begins on February 6 in Nagpur, serving as preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy starting February 19.

While most of the India cricket team’s playing XI is settled, the competition between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, who bring similar skills, remains a key challenge. With a tight schedule ahead, India needs to finalize the combination quickly for both the upcoming ODI series and the Champions Trophy.

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