'Yuzvendra Chahal is still good enough as...': Ex-KKR star's massive statement on Varun Chakravarthy's inclusion in India's ODI squad against England

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar opened up on Varun Chakravarthy's inclusion over Yuzvendra Chahal in Rohit Sharma-led squad for the three-match ODI series against England. India added Chakravarthy's name in the ODI squad after the spinner was awarded Player of the Tournament picking 14 wickets in the five-match T20I series against England.

Bangar who was featured for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) said that had India needed another wrist spinner alongside Kuldeep Yadav, they would have thought of Chahal. Kuldeep has also made his comeback after recovering from a groin injury. He last featured in a Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

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“T20 is a format which suits Varun and the question that comes to our mind is what is the future for Chahal, who has got a very good record even in the 50-over format. So, if at all the team wanted to have another wrist spinner, I am sure that the selectors would have discussed Chahal’s name.

“But it’s hard to comment from outside what would be the preference of the team, what they are thinking of and what the management prefers. So, ultimately, it all boils down to that,” Bangar said while responding to India Today's query on Star Sports’ media round table.

Former India batting coach Bangar also said that Chahal still has the potential to play at the highest level for India. Chahal has played 72 ODIs where he picked up 121 wickets. The leg spinner's last ODI outing came in 2023 against New Zealand.

“I believe that Chahal is still good enough as, in the longer format, you have to have bowlers with guile and who can beat the batters in the air, and not necessarily off the surface. So, it would have been a very close call between Chahal and Varun, but the team management and the selectors thought that Varun could be the man in form, and he could do the job for the team as well,” Bangar added.

Team India are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series and after that the Men in Blue will travel to Dubai for the Champions Trophy 2025 which is scheduled to start from February 19 and the Rohit Sharma-led side will start their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.