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Gambhir’s backing seals Varun Chakaravarthy’s ODI debut for England series

The 33-year-old spinner was spotted training with India’s ODI squad ahead of the three-match ODI series against England, which begins on Thursday in Nagpur
12:19 AM Feb 05, 2025 IST | IANS
gambhir’s backing seals varun chakaravarthy’s odi debut  for england series
Gambhir’s backing seals Varun Chakaravarthy’s ODI debut for England series
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Vice-captain Shubman Gill confirmed his addition to the squad in a press conference in Nagpur on Tuesday. The 33-year-old spinner was spotted training with India’s ODI squad ahead of the three-match ODI series against England, which begins on Thursday in Nagpur.

According to IANS sources, the leg-spinner has been taken into the ODI team at the insistence of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who wanted him there in the side for the bilateral series.

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Chakaravarthy's potential selection is backed by his remarkable 'Player of the Series' performance in the recently-concluded five-match T20I series against England, where he finished as India’s highest wicket-taker, scalping 14 wickets, including a sensational five-fer.

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His ability to trouble England’s batting lineup with his variations and deceptive spin played a crucial role in India’s 4-1 series victory. Despite having played only 23 List A (50-over) games, Chakravarthy has an impressive record of 59 wickets at a strike rate of 19.8.

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His recent exploits in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker among spinners, further strengthened his case. He picked up 18 wickets at an astonishing average of 12.16, including a best of 5-9.

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Currently, India has named four spinners in their provisional Champions Trophy squad -- Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav. The two-week competition, beginning on February 19, will see the top eight teams play 15 matches over 19 days in Pakistan and the UAE.

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India’s updated squad for ODI series against England: Rohit Sharma (C), hubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.