The case for Varun Chakraborty’s last minute inclusion gets stronger
Mystery spinner Varun Chakraborty created headlines with his impressive bowling performance in the first T20I against England at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Chakravarty emerged as the man of the match with 3-23 in four matches.
After his impressive performance, he got full support from former India and Tamil Nadu cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who was supposed to be included in the Indian squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
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Varun Chakraborty receives sponsorship from Dinesh Karthik for 2025 Champions Trophy
Two months ago, Dinesh Karthik warned the national selectors that it would be a big mistake if they did not pick Varun Chakraborty for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. At that time, Chakraborty was playing in India’s T20I series in South Africa.
The secret spinner was exceptional in that series as well despite bowling in conditions that weren’t conducive to spin. After a good comeback in the first T20I against England, Karthik once again raised questions about his inclusion in India’s squad for the marquee ICC tournament.
“In ???? Karthik on X (former Twitter) in the first T20I between India and England in Kolkata.
him ????
– DK (@DineshKarthik) January 22, 2025
Varun Chakraborty’s T20I numbers
Varun Chakraborty hasn’t played any ODI yet but has very good numbers in T20I cricket. He played 14 T20Is and picked up 22 wickets at an average of 16.63 and an economy rate of 6.71.
He made his T20I debut in 2021 and was India’s first-choice candidate for the World Cup 2021. However, he was abruptly dropped from the team after a disappointing comeback in the season and India’s early exit.
Chakraborty returned to the Indian team during Gautam Gambhir’s tenure. Since then, he has excelled in his skills and variations and has established himself as a mainstay of India’s T20I side.
Varun Chakraborty’s Best List A Numbers
Varun Chakraborty hasn’t played an ODI but has an impressive record in List A cricket. He played 23 List A matches and took 59 wickets at a good average of 14.13 and an economy rate of 4.28 with a best of 5-9 in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Playing for Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, Chakraborty took 18 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 12.16 and an economy rate of 4.36. He finished as the second highest wicket-taker of the season behind Arshdeep Singh.
Meanwhile, India won the first T20I against England on the back of good performances from Varun Chakraborty and Abhishek Sharma.
While Chakraborty dismantled England’s middle order with clever bowling, Abhishek killed the innings with his batting. The left-handed opener smashed 79 off just 34 balls, smashing 5 fours and 8 sixes.