The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the squad for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025. This announcement comes after the selection of a provisional team, and it brings significant changes to India’s lineup. With pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to injury, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been given a chance to shine on this global stage. Fresh off his One Day International (ODI) debut against England, Chakravarthy’s inclusion raises eyebrows as another promising player has been ousted from the tournament roster.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Inclusion and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Omission
In a surprising turn of events, Varun Chakravarthy will replace Yashasvi Jaiswal in the final squad for the Champions Trophy. Jaiswal, who also made his ODI debut during the series against England, previously showcased his talent by participating in the first match. However, with the return of star player Virat Kohli for the second match, Jaiswal was dropped from the playing eleven, ultimately losing his place in the final squad for the Champions Trophy as well.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Stellar Performance
Chakravarthy’s recent performances over the past few months have been nothing short of impressive. After a significant absence of almost three years from the national team, his remarkable display during the IPL 2024 season earned him a spot back on the national squad. Known for his wicket-taking ability, Chakravarthy emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the T20 series against England, which undoubtedly secured him a place in the One Day International team and now the Champions Trophy squad.
Why Was Yashasvi Jaiswal Excluded?
Interestingly, the BCCI has not publicly disclosed the rationale behind Jaiswal’s exclusion. This decision has left fans and analysts questioning the board’s decision-making process. Jaiswal has quickly risen through the ranks as a key match-winner for Team India, playing a pivotal role in the ODI series against England. In his ODI debut, he scored 15 runs off 22 balls, showcasing his potential and making his removal even more perplexing for supporters.
As Team India gears up for the Champions Trophy 2025, all eyes will be on Varun Chakravarthy to deliver an outstanding performance. Meanwhile, Jaiswal’s exclusion serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of cricket at the highest levels. As the tournament approaches, fans will be eager to see how these changes impact India’s chances of clinching the title.