India vs England: Varun Chakravarthy added to ODI squad
What's the story
After a successful T20I series, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has joined Team India's ODI squad in Nagpur, as per reports.
Chakravarthy has been added to the 50-over setup ahead of the team's series against England. The star spinner wasn't part of original squad.
His inclusion comes after his brilliant performance against England in the recent five-T20I series, where he scalped 14 wickets and was named the Player of the Series.
Squad speculation
Chakravarthy's performance sparks Champions Trophy inclusion debate
Chakravarthy's phenomenal show has reignited the debate over his inclusion in the impending ICC Champions Trophy.
The 33-year-old cricketer, who is yet to play an ODI, is known as a T20 specialist.
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin also believes that Chakravarthy's recent form could convince selectors to try him in the Champions Trophy.
Ashwin's insight
Ashwin vouches for Chakravarthy's inclusionÂ
Ashwin shared his thoughts on Chakravarthy's possible inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad.
He said, "We are all talking about whether he should have been there (Champions Trophy squad), I am thinking there is a chance he might be there."
However, Ashwin also added that if a seamer is replaced by Chakravarthy, it would mean an extra spinner for the side.
Career highlights
Will Chakravarthy play against England?
Although Chakravarthy hasn't played an ODI for India, he has an impressive domestic record with 23 List A matches for Tamil Nadu.
His last outing was in the 2024/25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he picked five wickets against Rajasthan in a preliminary quarter-final clash.
Notably, India already have three spinners - Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav - for the England series. It remains to be seen if Chakravarthy will make the cut.
Match-winner
India's go-to spinner in T20I cricket
Chakaravarthy has quickly become India's go-to bowler in T20Is. His performances against South Africa and England, where he was India's highest wicket-taker, have been widely talked about.
In the five-match T20I series against England, which India won 4-1, Chakaravarthy picked up 14 wickets at an incredible average of 9.86.
He now owns the most wickets by an Indian in a bilateral T20I series.