Tue Feb 04 16:42:49 UTC 2025: ## Ashwin Pushes for Chakaravarthy’s ODI Debut Ahead of Champions Trophy
**Mumbai, India** – Former Indian spinner R Ashwin has advocated for the inclusion of in-form leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, starting later this month in Dubai. Chakaravarthy’s recent performance in the T20I series against England, where he claimed a record 14 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, has prompted Ashwin’s call.
Chakaravarthy’s impressive List A record of 59 wickets in 23 appearances, coupled with his stellar T20I showing, has led Ashwin to believe the spinner could bolster India’s chances in the tournament. While India has provisionally named a 15-member squad including four spinners – Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar – Ashwin suggests a potential squad reshuffle before the February 12 deadline.
“There’s a chance he might make it,” Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel. He acknowledged the challenge of selecting Chakaravarthy, suggesting a potential swap with a seamer if a spot opens up.
Ashwin further predicts that Chakaravarthy could first feature in the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, which utilizes the same squad as the initially announced Champions Trophy team. The uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah could create an opportunity for Chakaravarthy’s inclusion. “I don’t think it’s an easy call to take him directly to the Champions Trophy. He hasn’t played ODIs. I have a feeling they will give him a chance in the ODI series,” Ashwin explained.
The potential addition of Chakaravarthy would add another layer of intrigue to India’s already strong squad. The upcoming ODI series against England, to be played in Nagpur, Cuttack and Ahmedabad, will be crucial in determining Chakaravarthy’s fate and whether he makes his much anticipated ODI debut.
First Piper 