Varun Chakravarthy’s last-minute inclusion in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad proved to be a masterstroke as India lifted the title after defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the final. The mystery spinner, who was not initially part of the squad, was later drafted in after the England series, replacing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Despite his lack of ODI experience, Varun played a crucial role in India’s campaign, particularly in the knockouts, helping India secure their third Champions Trophy title. Reflecting on his performance, Varun credited captain Rohit Sharma for maximizing his potential.
“Rohit Sharma used me very well. I bowled 2 overs in the Powerplay, 2 to 3 overs at the death, and whenever a wicket was needed in the middle overs. I told him that this is how my potential can be maximized, and he understood that without me saying it because he is one of the greatest captains of all time,” said Varun Chakravarthy in an interview with Star Sports.
Making an Impact When It Mattered
Initially left out of India’s playing XI for the first two matches, Varun got his chance in the crucial group-stage match against New Zealand, where he dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup with a stunning five-wicket haul.
Champions Trophy Group Stage vs New Zealand
- 5/43 (10 overs)
- Player of the Match award
- Key wickets: Will Young, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips
His brilliant spell helped India secure a must-win match, ensuring his place in the playing XI for the knockouts.
Breaking Australia’s Momentum in the Semi-Final
Facing Australia in the semi-final, Varun struck early, dismissing Travis Head—a batter who had tormented India in previous ICC tournaments. His precise bowling helped India restrict Australia, finishing with 2/49 in 10 overs.
Two Crucial Wickets in the Final
In the final against New Zealand, Varun dismissed Will Young early, setting the tone for India’s bowling dominance. Later, he got rid of Glenn Phillips, further strengthening India’s grip on the match.
Joint-Highest Wicket-Taker for India
Despite playing just three matches, Varun finished as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Mohammed Shami, with 9 wickets. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments made him a match-winner in India’s title-winning run.
Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament Announced
With the tournament concluding, the ICC announced its “Team of the Tournament”, featuring four Indian players:
Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament:
- Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) – 251 runs, 62.75 average, 2 hundreds (Player of the Tournament)
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) – 216 runs, 72 average, 1 hundred
- Virat Kohli (India) – 218 runs, 54.5 average, 1 hundred (Crossed 14,000 ODI runs during the tournament)
- Shreyas Iyer (India) – 243 runs, 48.6 average, 2 fifties (Solid middle-order contributions)
- KL Rahul (India – wk) – 140 runs, 140 average (Finisher in knockouts, unbeaten in 3 innings)
- Glenn Phillips (New Zealand) – 177 runs, 59 average, 5 catches (Brilliant fielder and finisher)
- Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan) – 126 runs, 7 wickets, 1 five-wicket haul (All-round impact)
- Mitchell Santner (New Zealand – c) – 9 wickets, 4.80 economy (Led New Zealand to the final)
- Mohammed Shami (India) – 9 wickets, 5.68 economy (Took 5/53 vs Bangladesh)
- Matt Henry (New Zealand) – 10 wickets, 5.32 economy (Tournament’s leading wicket-taker)
- Varun Chakravarthy (India) – 9 wickets, 4.53 economy (Key player in India’s title-winning run)
From being a last-minute replacement to becoming one of India’s biggest match-winners, Varun Chakravarthy’s story in Champions Trophy 2025 is nothing short of remarkable. His contributions, coupled with Rohit Sharma’s tactical brilliance, played a pivotal role in India’s historic ICC triumph.
