Former cricketer Suresh Raina has advocated for Kuldeep Yadav’s selection over Varun Chakaravarthy in India’s final Champions Trophy 2025 squad.

Chakaravarthy has been on a rapid rise ever since his return to international cricket in October 2024. He troubled the England batters during the recently held T20I series and was drafted into the ODI squad.

The mystery spinner made his 50-over debut against England in Cuttack on Sunday (February 9). He returned with the figures of 1/53 in 10 overs on his debut, which included the dismissal of Philip Salt.

With February 11 being the deadline to finalize the Champions Trophy squad, there are reports claiming that Chakaravarthy will be included in it.

However, Raina reckons Kuldeep’s experience of playing big matches makes him an ideal candidate for the ICC tournament over Chakaravarthy.

“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 is currently part of the England ODI series and also features in India’s preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy. The left-arm wrist-spinner played the first ODI in Nagpur and returned with figures of 1/53 in 9.4 overs. Earlier, he took four wickets from three matches in the ODI series against Sri Lanka in August 2024.

On the other hand, Chakaravarthy has been in incredible form ever since his comeback to international cricket. Since October 2024, he’s claimed 31 wickets from 12 innings at an average of 11.25 and an economy of 7.18, including two five wicket hauls to his name.

Chakaravarthy was adjudged Player of the Series in the T20I series against England, claiming 14 wickets from five games at an average of 9.85.