Home
India's spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin feels Varun Chakravarthy truly deserved to be adjudged the Champions Trophy 2025's Player of the Series. Ashwin drew everyone's attention towards Varun Chakaravarthy's crucial role in India's Champions Trophy title triumph, labeling him the 'X-factor' of the Men in Blue. India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9.
Despite not participating in every match, Varun Chakravarthy's impact was undeniable in the three games he played. The mystery spinner's performance was stellar, securing nine wickets with an impressive average of 15.11. Notably, he achieved a five-wicket haul against New Zealand during the group stage, showcasing his ability to dismantle opposition lineups.
Joining a formidable spin attack comprising Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, the 33-year-old Chakravarthy proved to be a valuable asset. He delivered crucial early breakthroughs, effecting the dismissals of Will Young and Glenn Phillips in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
R Ashwin thinks Varun Chakravarthy truly deserved to win Champions Trophy's Payer of the Series award
On his YouTube channel, 'Ash Ki Baat', Ravichandran Ashwin passionately argued for Chakravarthy's recognition as the Player of the Tournament.
"Whatever said and done, the Player of the Tournament, in my view, was Varun Chakravarthy. He didn't play the entire tournament. He was such a big difference. If Varun Chakravarthy wasn't there, I think this game would have been very different. He brought that X-factor and the novelty factor. If I were the judge, I would have given it to Varun. He was the biggest difference," Ashwin said.
India's formidable spin attack, boasting Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja broke New Zealand batters' backs. Collectively, they conceded 144 runs and secured five wickets across 38 overs, effectively restricting New Zealand to a total of 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs. In reply, India rode on Rohit Sharma's solid 76 which was well coupled with valuable contributions from Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer to chase the target with one over to spare.
Ashwin also expressed his delight for both Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir. He specifically commended Gambhir for making a decisive and impactful decision that significantly contributed to the team's overall success.
"I am so happy for Rohit and Gautam Gambhir. Just spare a thought for GG. What must he be going through? Losing Test series against New Zealand, you have been losing a few. But you made a remarkable decision. There was no Jasprit Bumrah. Remarkably, this Indian team won the Champions Trophy without Bumrah," Ashwin concluded.
