India’s mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, has been ruled out of the third and final ODI against England due to a sore right calf. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed his absence before the match, citing fitness concerns. With India already securing the series 2-0, the team management saw this as an opportunity to experiment with their lineup, test their bench strength, and provide valuable game time to other players ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Champions Trophy.
Chakravarthy, known for his deceptive variations and ability to outfox batters, would have been a key player on the spin-friendly track at the Narendra Modi Stadium. However, his injury meant that India had to rethink their bowling combination. As a result, the team brought in Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar to bolster the spin department, while left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was also given a chance. This decision aligned with India’s strategy of managing player workload while evaluating alternative options for future tournaments.
The decision to rest key players wasn’t limited to Chakravarthy. Senior bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja were also given a break as India focused on rotation and workload management. The inclusion of Kuldeep and Sundar ensured that India still had quality spin options, while Arshdeep’s presence added variety to the pace attack. These changes reflected India’s long-term vision of building a well-balanced squad capable of performing across different conditions in major tournaments.
Chakravarthy’s absence is particularly disappointing as he has had limited opportunities in the Indian ODI setup despite his consistent performances in the IPL. The third ODI would have been an ideal platform for him to showcase his skills on home soil and further cement his place in the squad. Given the conditions, his ability to deliver unplayable deliveries could have troubled England’s batters, many of whom have struggled against quality spin throughout the series. However, the team’s priority remains his recovery and ensuring he is fully fit for upcoming assignments.
On the other hand, England, having already lost the series, made a change of their own by bringing in Tom Banton in place of Jamie Overton. The visitors have struggled with consistency in the series, often failing to capitalize on strong starts. With the pressure of the series result lifted, England’s focus will be on salvaging some pride with a consolation victory. Banton’s inclusion is a move aimed at strengthening their batting lineup, which has faltered under pressure in previous games.
As India concludes this ODI series, their eyes remain fixed on the bigger picture—the 2025 Champions Trophy. The management is keen on finalizing the ideal squad composition, ensuring a mix of experience and fresh talent. They will be hoping that Chakravarthy makes a swift recovery, as his mystery spin could be a valuable asset in the subcontinental conditions where the tournament will be played.
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