Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been included in the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. His selection comes after a standout performance in the recently concluded T20I series, where he was the highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in India’s 4-1 victory.
Varun has traveled with the team to Nagpur, where the first ODI will be played on February 6. This is his first-ever call-up to India’s ODI squad, making it a significant milestone in his career. Despite being uncapped in ODIs, he has proven his skills in domestic cricket, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker in this season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy with 18 wickets in six matches for Tamil Nadu.
His addition strengthens India’s spin department, which already includes experienced bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. These ODIs hold extra importance as they are India’s first 50-over matches since August last year and the only series before the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile, England has retained young spinner Rehan Ahmed as a backup after he served as a reserve during the T20I series. Joe Root, who joined the squad before the final T20I, will return to his usual No. 3 position in ODIs. However, wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith is uncertain for the first two games due to a minor calf injury.
The India vs. England ODI series will take place in Nagpur, Cuttack, and Ahmedabad on February 6, 9, and 12. India will then head to Dubai for the Champions Trophy, with squad changes allowed until February 11 without ICC approval.
India’s ODI Squad Against England:
Captain: Rohit Sharma
Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
Players: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (first two ODIs), Jasprit Bumrah (third ODI), Varun Chakravarthy
Updated on 05 February, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.