Varun Chakaravarthy was spotted in the nets as the Indian team trained at the VCA Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of its series-opening ODI against England.
Though not officially part of India’s ODI squad yet, Varun — fresh from a successful T20I series against England, where he claimed 14 wickets in five matches — had an extended session, suggesting he is in contention for the 50-over format as well.
With the Champions Trophy set to begin later this month, speculation is rife that the national selection committee is considering Varun as an option, particularly amid uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. The selectors can make changes to the squad until February 13, and with Varun training alongside the team, it remains to be seen whether the management formally includes him in the squad.
According to sources, with Kuldeep Yadav returning from injury and Jasprit Bumrah awaiting scan results, the selectors are closely monitoring Varun, especially as he could prove valuable in Dubai, where India will play all its matches in the Champions Trophy.
