Champions Trophy: Rohit confident in Varun Chakravarthy's 'certain weapon'
What's the story
Indian cricket team captain, Rohit Sharma, has backed spinner Varun Chakravarthy ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Notably, Chakravarthy was picked over Yashasvi Jaiswal, a decision that surprised many. However, Sharma explained this decision by emphasizing Chakravarthy's unique bowling skills. "He has got a certain weapon that he wants to put out there when it actually matters," Rohit revealed at a press conference ahead of their opening game in the Champions Trophy. Here's more.
Captain's endorsement
Sharma praises Chakravarthy's unique bowling style
As mentioned, during a press conference, Sharma lauded Chakravarthy's unique style of bowling. He said, "He doesn't throw many variations in the net. He throws the ball in the same way. Maybe he doesn't even want to show us what he has (laughs). But that is a good thing." The Indian captain went on to add that this could work when it matters the most on the field.
Rising star
Chakravarthy's impressive performance in recent months
Sharma also recognized Chakravarthy's phenomenal run in the last eight to nine months. "Whatever we have seen of him in the last 8-9 months, it has been very impressive," he added. The spinner has been in red-hot form since last year's Indian Premier League (IPL), where he was the second-highest wicket-taker (21 scalps) This success translated into his international career, especially in the T20I format, further cementing his place in the side. Additionally, he owns 33 scalps in 18 T20Is.
Future prospects
Chakravarthy's potential role in upcoming matches
Despite his lack of experience in the ODI format, Chakravarthy has already made a mark by taking the opening wicket against England in the second ODI at Cuttack. With star pacer Jasprit Bumrah out of action and Kuldeep Yadav yet to hit his peak form, India could depend more on Chakravarthy's wicket-taking abilities in the upcoming matches of the Champions Trophy.
Team composition
India's strategy for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Sharma also spoke about the team's strategy for the Champions Trophy, highlighting their emphasis on all-rounders. He said, "We play to our strengths. The three all-rounders give a different dimension to the squad, they add a lot to the squad." This strategy is reflected in India's choice of spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar who are also handy batters. In the tournament opener, India lock horns with Bangladesh on February 20, at the Dubai International Stadium.
Stats
Spinner's ODI and List A numbers
As mentioned, Chakravarthy has featured in just one ODI for India. He owns one wicket at 54. However, he has an impressive List A stat card, with 60 scalps across 24 innings. He boasts an average of 14.80 and an economy of 4.33. Notably, in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy Chakravarthy finished as the third-highest wicket-taker with 18 scalps (six matches) at 12.72.