India’s rising cricket star Varun Chakravarthy has made headlines once again, this time with his inclusion in the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming series against England. The talented bowler, who recently impressed in the T20I series, has earned his spot in the team, adding depth to India’s spin attack.
Varun, who traveled with the squad to Nagpur for the first ODI, showcased his skills during a training session ahead of the series opener on Thursday. His stellar performance in the T20I series, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker with 14 dismissals, has undoubtedly caught the attention of the selectors.
Despite being uncapped in ODIs, Varun’s impressive record in List A cricket cannot be overlooked. With only 23 List A games under his belt, he managed to secure the position of the second highest wicket-taker in this season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy, claiming 18 wickets in just six matches for Tamil Nadu. His addition to the squad bolsters an already formidable spin attack that includes the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar.
Varun’s Inclusion: A Game-Changer for India
Varun’s selection for the ODI squad holds significant weight, especially considering that these upcoming matches against England mark India’s return to 50-over cricket since August last year. These games serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy, making Varun’s role all the more vital in shaping India’s bowling strategy.
With key bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah returning from injuries, Varun’s emergence provides much-needed depth to the squad. While Bumrah is set to join the team for the third ODI against England, Harshit Rana will feature in the first two games. The selectors are keen on fine-tuning the squad before the Champions Trophy, with the flexibility to make changes until February 11 without ICC approval.
Exciting Lineup and Tough Decisions Ahead
The ODI squad against England boasts a formidable lineup, led by captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill. The presence of seasoned players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya adds experience and firepower to the team, while the spin duo of Axar Patel and Washington Sundar complements the pace attack led by Mohammed Shami.
As the series approaches, all eyes will be on the form of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The team management faces a tough decision regarding the wicketkeeper slot, with the choice between the in-form KL Rahul and the explosive Rishabh Pant adding intrigue to the selection process.
In conclusion, Varun Chakravarthy’s inclusion in the Indian ODI squad marks a significant milestone in his cricketing journey. His rapid rise from domestic cricket to the international arena is a testament to his skill and dedication. As India gears up to face England in the upcoming series, Varun’s performance will be closely watched, as he looks to make a lasting impact on the team’s success.
