Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who troubled the England batters during the just-concluded T20I series, has been added to India’s ODI squad.

In the lead-up to the Champions Trophy 2025, the Men in Blue are due to play three ODIs against England, starting on February 6 in Nagpur.

There is a fair chance that Chakaravarthy might just replace one of the four spinners in the Champions Trophy squad. It could be one among Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar, who could be left out to accommodate Chakaravarthy when the final squad is announced. A lot will depend on how he performs in the England series.

Varun, who took 14 wickets at an average of 9.85 in five T20Is against England, wasn’t selected for the England ODIs and the Champions Trophy later this month.

"Yes, Varun Chakaravarthy is part of the squad," India vice-captain Shubman Gill confirmed in a media interaction after the team's training on Tuesday (February 4).

With February 12 being the deadline to finalize the Champions Trophy squad, Varun Chakaravarthy remains a strong candidate for selection. However, it is unlikely that he will be drafted into the CT squad without playing a single ODI.

India have picked three spin-bowling all-rounders in their Champions Trophy squad – Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Kuldeep Yadav is the lone specialist tweaker in the 15-member squad.

"As of now, the team management wanted Varun to bowl in ODI squad nets ahead of England series. Varun doesn't play red-ball cricket," a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"With domestic white ball season already concluded, he doesn't have any assignments till start of IPL end March. He is in good rhythm and they want him to continue that," he added.

When asked if there is a possibility of him being selected for the ODI series and subsequent Champions Trophy based on current form, the source replied: "The selectors have already picked four spinners and you only have three ODI games."

"But if team management wants Varun, it will certainly have to speak to the chairman of selection committee. Whether they intend to or not, is still not known."

While Varun is yet to make his ODI debut, he was the best spinner in the recently held Vijay Hazare Trophy - India's premier 50-over domestic tournament. He returned with 18 wickets from just 6 matches at an average of 12.72.

“The Men’s Selection Committee has added Varun Chakaravarthy to India’s squad for the upcoming 3-match ODI series against England,” the BCCI said in a statement later on Tuesday.  

“Varun picked 14 wickets, which included a five-wicket haul in Rajkot in the recently concluded 5-match T20I series against England. He was also the player of the series for his stellar bowling performance. Varun has joined the ODI squad in Nagpur,” it added.

India’s updated squad for ODI series against England: Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.

(With PTI Inputs)