India and England are set to clash in the first ODI of the three-match series on February 6, 2025, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, and Varun Chakravarthy is making the headlines now in the ODIs. As India claimed a dominant 4-1 victory in the T20I series, they will look to carry that momentum into the 50-over format.
Leg spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who made his comeback in 2024 against Bangladesh, got off to a flying start against the neighbours on home soil and continued his great form against the Proteas in the 4-match T20I series as well. In 2025, when he played the first T20 series, he bamboozled the English batters in the T20I series as he picked 14 scalps across 5 matches, including a sensational five-wicket haul. He has now earned a spot in the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England.
The match, starting at 1:30 PM IST, promises an exciting battle between India’s formidable home record and England’s aggressive approach. The national selectors have until the end of the upcoming series to finalise the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.
The mystery leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy possesses a diverse skill set, including leg-breaks, off-breaks, googlies, carrom balls, and flippers, thus making him a challenging bowler for several oppositions. With his unique ability to vary pace and spin, he remains a crucial asset in the white-ball formats as a wicket-taker; however, ever since his return, the ace spinner has evolved in maintaining a lower economy and thus keeping the batters on the edge.
According to reports, he participated in fielding drills with the team in Nagpur on Tuesday before bowling to Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. With his inclusion, India’s spin department now boasts five options, alongside Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja.
Varun Chakravarthy’s performance against England in T20i series
Indian mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was sensational in the T20I series against England, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps in five matches. This mystery spinner picked from the backdrop of KKR proved to be a nightmare for the English batters, as he consistently proved to be a thrilling bowler along the format against several firm oppositions like South Africa and England.
He delivered a standout performance in the third T20I, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul that dismantled England’s batting lineup. While also he kept striking at regular intervals in the first, second, and fourth wins.
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