Rohit Sharma Opens Up on Varun Chakravarthy's Champions Trophy Prospects
The sudden inclusion of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in India's ODI squad for the England series has created much speculation over his potential selection for the upcoming Champions Trophy. India captain Rohit Sharma opened up on the buzz on Wednesday, clarifying that while Chakravarthy is now in contention, his final selection will depend on his performance in the series.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Nagpur ahead of the first ODI, Rohit acknowledged that Chakravarthy's unique skill set made him an intriguing option. "He has certainly shown something different. I understand that it is a T20 format, but he has clearly got something special. So we just wanted to have an option and see what we can do with him", Rohit stated.
The Indian skipper further emphasized that the ODI series presents an opportunity to assess Chakravarthy's capabilities. "Right now, we are not thinking about whether we are going to take him or not, but he will definitely be in contention. If things go well and he performs as required, then we will have something to consider," he added.
Chakravarthy has been playing scintillating cricket, and he happens to be the highest wicket-taker of the just-concluded T20I series against England with 14 wickets in five innings. He had done pretty well in domestic cricket too. Chakravarthy was the second-highest wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 18 wickets in six matches at an average of 12.16. Over his List A career for Tamil Nadu, he has taken 59 wickets in 23 matches at 21.15, with three five-wicket hauls.
It is not known if Chakravarthy is likely to replace anyone from India's four spinners already chosen for the Champions Trophy, but the very fact that he has been taken against balance and needs that spinner is a good enough indicator that management is keen on trying out fresh options, though his definite place in the marquee ICC event will depend on how he does in the upcoming series of one-dayers.
