Varun Chakaravarthy Credits Ex-India Captain For Selection In Champions Trophy Squad

Varun Chakaravarthy played a big role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title win. He played three matches for the Men in Blue and picked up nine wickets. Varun made his Champions Trophy debut against

New Zealand in the Group A match played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 2 and accounted for the dismissal of five batters in that fixture.

In the semifinal and final matches, which were played against Australia and New Zealand, respectively, he picked up two wickets each and finished the Champions Trophy 2025 as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker.

The 34-year-old spinner from Tamil Nadu, who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, has credited former India captain Rohit Sharma for his selection in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad.

According to Varun, he didn’t expect to be in the Champions Trophy squad, but thanks to Rohit, he got a chance.

“I didn’t expect to be in the Champions Trophy squad, but thanks to Rohit Bhai and the coaching staff,” Chakaravarthy said during the CEAT Cricket Awards in Mumbai.

Chakaravarthy was a surprise selection in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad. He was picked for the eight-team tournament despite not playing any 50-over match for the Men in Blue at the time of the squad announcement.

Credits Gambhir and SKY

Going back to the time he made his comeback in the Indian side last year, Chakravarthy credited head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav for instilling confidence in him and giving him a specific role.

“When I made my comeback, Surya and GG (Gautam Gambhir), they told me that we are looking at you as one of the wicket-takers for the Indian team and they have backed me throughout. For that, I have to give them the credit,” he said.

“I was out of the team for more than three years, but I did have a consecutive good IPL (seasons). For them to recognise that and bring me in the team, was great for me.”

“My role is to take wickets, keep attacking the stumps and nothing else. Take up the tougher job as in bowl in the powerplay, bowl one over in the death and two overs in the middle — that’s the role that they have given and I’m happy to do that,” Chakravarthy added.

(With inputs from PTI)