Varun Chakravarthy's selection into the Champions Trophy 2025 squad was a surprising move by the team management. By the time of the squad announcement, the spinner had no experience playing in the One Day International format. Then how did he make his way into the team? 

Months after winning the prestigious tournament, Chakravarthy revealed the surprising selection. During the CEAT Cricket Awards ceremony in Mumbai, he said that it was Rohit Sharma, then the ODI captain of India, who recognized him for the 50-over tournament. On the stage of the program, the 34-year-old especially thanked the former captain for showing trust in him for the crucial assignment. 

"I didn't expect to be in the Champions Trophy squad, but thanks to Rohit Bhai (Rohit Sharma) and the coaching staff," Varun Chakravarthy said during the CEAT Cricket Awards ceremony. 

Read More: [WATCH] 'Even if You Want Me to Bat at ...' - Sanju Samson opens up on his dedication to Indian T20I team ahead of Australia tour

Varun Chakravarthy played a crucial for India in Champions Trophy 2025

Behind the successful campaign in Champions Trophy 2025, the spinner played a pivotal role by taking 9 wickets in only three matches. Varun played his first match of the tournament against New Zealand during the group stage. In that game, he picked up a 5-for at the Dubai International Stadium. 

Varun Chakravarthy: I didn’t expect to be included in the Champions Trophy squad, but thanks to Rohit bhai and other people for believing in me. 🙌🏻

pic.twitter.com/yBCE1umHmR

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) October 8, 2025

The other two matches were more important for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner, as they were the semifinal and the final. India faced Australia and New Zealand, respectively, and Varun claimed a brace in each match. With those 9 wickets in 3 matches, he finished the tournament as the joint highest wicket-taker for team India. So far, in 4 ODIs, he took 10 wickets at an economy rate of 4.75. In T20Is, the Tamil Nadu-born has bagged 40 scalps in 24 matches at a brilliant economy rate of 6.89.