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Former India cricketer Suresh Raina who was the part of MS Dhoni-led Champions Trophy 2013 winning side wants the Rohit Sharma-led side to go with Kuldeep Yadav over Varun Chakravarthy in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Tamilnadu spinner Chakravarthy made his ODI debut against England at Barabati Stadium in Odisha.
The wrist-spinner who was India's one of best performers in five-match T20I series against England registered figures of 1/53 in ten overs on his debut, which included the wicket of Philip Salt. The star spinner is currently in the form of his life and considering his performance there have been discussions about his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad as well.
Despite his performance against England in T20Is. Raina feels that Kuldeep Yadav's experience of playing big matches makes him an ideal candidate for the tournament over Chakravarty.
“I think Varun is more used to bowling in T20Is for now, while Kuldeep has variety and wicket-taking ability. Most importantly, he rises to the occasion in big tournaments. I still remember the way he clean bowled Babar Azam in the ODI World Cup 2019. He has a different skill in his hands, Kuldeep carries massive experience with him of playing big matches,” Raina said on Star Sports.
Kuldeep Yadav is also part of India's ODI squad against England and the spinner was featured in the first ODI where he picked up one wicket conceding 53 runs. The star spinner is also part of India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad which is scheduled to start from February 19. The mega event will take place in a hybrid model where matches featuring India, one of the semifinals will take place in Dubai and Pakistan's Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi will host the rest of the tournament. The venue for the final of the showpiece event also depends on India's performance, if India manages to qualify for the title decider it will take place in Dubai otherwise Pakistan will host the summit clash.
