Varun Chakravarthy Joins India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad: A Major Shuffle in the Line-Up

The inclusion of the new wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the last-minute changes to the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was in place of the young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. Besides that, with what Chakravarthy has performed on the global level, he now undoubtedly makes for a very deserved feather in India’s bowling arsenal.

Only recently, Jaiswal debuted in ODIs. He is on reserve with Shivam Dube and Mohammad Siraj. His dropping from the immediate squad is attributed to the returning form of Shreyas Iyer and the fit-again Virat Kohli; hence, the selectors decided on Chakravarthy to reinforce the bowling department. 

Varun Chakravarthy’s Impressive Performance

Chakravarthy has taken 31 wickets in just 12 innings since returning in October 2024 at a phenomenal average of 11.25. Further adding to his credentials for destroying batting line-ups is his economy rate of 7.18 and two five-wicket hauls. 

During the five-match T20I series against England, he was undoubtedly the performer of the series with 14 wickets at an average of 9.85. He has continued to move up to fifth in the ICC T20I rankings, making him one of the most undeniable selections for the Champions Trophy squad.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence – A Major Setback

As a massive blow to India, Jasprit Bumrah, their prime fast bowler, has had to turn down a place due to lower-back injuries. Harshit Rana, who was the other fast bowler in the mix, had been included in the squad. This time around in the ODIs, Rana spoiled the English party by taking three wickets on his first outing.

India’s Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

• Captain: Rohit Sharma
• Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
• Batters: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer
• Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant
• All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja
• Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy
• Non-traveling reserves: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Shivam Dube.

If any replacements are required during the tournament, the three reserves will be in the currency all set to fly in from Dubai.

The Road Ahead for Team India

An excellent opportunity for India to once again reclaim supremacy in world cricket will be provided by the next Champions Trophy. With a brilliant blend of experience and young talent, the team seems well-set to take on the best in the world.

The viewers keen to watch live cricket for free will be able to catch the tournament on such platforms as Winexch providing live updates and streaming.

The Influence of the ‘Godfather of Cricket’

Old legends, often referred to as the ‘Godfather of Cricket’ in different contexts, have shaped the evolution of cricket strategies and selection policies in India. They have left behind a legacy that dictates India’s approach toward the World Cup with the right combination of aggression and strategy.

FAQs

• Why Varun Chakravarthy was added to the India Champions Trophy squad?
  Varun Chakravarthy was included because of his brilliant and consistent bowling in the last few matches, which makes him one of the important assets in the tournament.

• Why Yashasvi Jaiswal is put on the reserve players’ list?
  Jaiswal was moved to reserves when Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer came back, which made him less likely to find a spot in the XI.

• What is the impact of Jasprit Bumrah’s absence?
  Absence of Bumrah is a big blow, but call-up of Harshit Rana and experienced bowlers other than him makes it a balanced attack-wide.

• Where can fans watch live cricket for free?
  Fans can enjoy the tournament on streaming platforms that provide free access to live cricket matches.

• Who are the most prominent players in India’s squad?
  The list includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and the current favorite from the lot Varun Chakravarthy.