Now all the attention shifts to the ICC Champions Trophy. For the India Cricket Team, there is a huge call that needs to be taken. Kuldeep Yadav has returned to the squad after recovering from his groin injury. Meanwhile, Varun Chakravarthy has hogged all the limelight with his stunning spell in the IND vs ENG T20I series.
After weaving his magic in the 5-match T20I series, the ace leggie was called for the ODI series as well. Herein lies the problem. The presence of Varun in the squad poses a grave threat to Kuldeep’s game time and preparedness for the Champions Trophy. Kuldeep is set to make his International return, while Varun became the highest wicket-taker in the T20I series after his 14 scalps from 5 games.
Why Kuldeep need game time ahead of Varun?
Kuldeep Yadav suffered a groin injury and reportedly went under the knife. He then took some time to recover as a result he missed out on the South Africa series and the Border Gavaskar Trophy entirely. He recently made his comeback in the Ranji Trophy clash for Uttar Pradesh against Madhya Pradesh.
The 30-year-old was hammered all over the park as he conceded 124 runs but managed to scalp 3 wickets. However, now he needs proper game time. The IND vs ENG ODI series for 3 games will serve as a preparatory series for the upcoming ICC event.
Kuldeep is the top specialist leggie in the Indian squad. Ravindra Jadeja is an all-rounder as does Axar Patel. Washington Sundar too is an all-rounder, albeit an off-spinner. Meanwhile, if Varun Chakravarthy doesn’t get included in the final squad submission, then there is no point in the latter eating out game time from Kuldeep.
Kuldeep Yadav Stats in ODIs
Mat | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w |
106 | 172 | 6/25 | 26 | 4.99 | 31.2 | 7 | 2 |
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Why Kuldeep deserve to start in Champions Trophy over Varun Chakravarthy?
The reason for the question is fairly simple. Kuldeep is one of the best bowlers in the world. In ICC tournaments and important series, he has always stepped up. The ace leggie has always been a reliable bowler for India across all formats of the game. The same can’t be said about Varun Chakravarthy.
The latter is yet to make his ODI debut. He has been quite impressive in T20Is and IPL. His recent form too has been highly impressive. But in the grand scheme of things, it would always be safer to go with the best option available rather than playing on a gamble.
Team India will be keen to lift the Champions Trophy, having last won it 12 years ago. India will also be keen to avenge their 2023 World Cup final loss. And Kuldeep has a crucial role to play in that. Meanwhile, Varun Chakravarthy can be a part of the squad as a pivotal character who can get called up if any player gets injured.
Varun Chakravarthy Stats in T20Is
Mat | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w |
18 | 33 | 5/17 | 14.57 | 7.02 | 12.4 | 0 | 2 |
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