Harshit Rana replaces Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah will miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19, due to a back injury. He got injured during the final Test against Australia in Sydney last month and had been recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Fans were hoping for his return, but sadly, that won’t happen.  

The BCCI confirmed the news on Tuesday. BCCI said that, "Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury. The Selection Committee has named Harshit Rana as his replacement."

ALSO READ: Varun Chakaravarthy Replaces Yashasvi Jaiswal in Champions Trophy for India, Know Why?

Two big changes in India’s final squad for Champions Trophy 2025 from the provisional squad! 🔄🇮🇳

What do you make of these updates? 🤔#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/w8xZdlXpIg

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 11, 2025

Varun Chakaravarthy replaces Yashasvi Jaiswal

Meanwhile, mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has earned a spot in the squad after his impressive performance in the T20I series and Second ODI against England. He will replace attacking batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. The BCCI also said, "Varun Chakaravarthy has been added to the squad, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was originally part of the provisional squad."

India’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy, 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Non Travelling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube

This is a surprising move from India to make a important key change to its squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Varun Chakaravarthy has been taken in to team in replace of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the final team selection.

Chakaravarthy Performance in recent matches :
Chakaravarthy had a fantastic series against England in T20I, where he took 14 wickets and Player of the Series . The selectors were impressed with his ability to spin and trap batsmen with his variations , which made him a player in the tournament.

INDIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY CHANGES:

- Harshit replaces Bumrah.

- Varun replaces Jaiswal. pic.twitter.com/8ncL9Cax8B

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 11, 2025

ALSO SEE : ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah ruled out; BCCI announces replacement

Replacement for Jaiswal nedded or NOT :
However, it does come, as a surprise to many, considering his past performances in the recent tournaments. It seems, though, that the selectors have gone for spin-heavy bowling attacks, given the conditions in which it is expected to be played in the Champions Trophy. To top it, Jaiswal's form in some recent ODIs was inconsistent, and he has struggled with spinners in subcontinental conditions.

NON-TRAVELLING RESERVES OF TEAM INDIA FOR CT:

- Jaiswal, Siraj & Dube.

They will travel to Dubai when the team requires them. pic.twitter.com/no7zWK4NJq

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 11, 2025

INDIAN SQUAD FOR CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025: 

Rohit (C), Gill (VC), Kohli, Iyer, Rahul (WK), Pant (WK), Pandya, Axar, Sundar, Kuldeep, Harshit, Shami, Arshdeep, Jadeja, Varun.

Some Big Changes and Expection from India :
Another huge change is that spearhead pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out because of a back injury. Harshit Rana has been called up in his place. This is a bummer for India, considering Bumrah has been a vital cog in the bowling lineup.With all these, India aims to strike the right balance between spin and pace. Fans are waiting to see how this affects India's performance in the eagerly awaited championship.

All Players of Indian Cricket Team Seeking Good luck Before ODI Against England at Puri Jagannath Temple
Puri, Odisha – February 8, 2025: The Indian cricket team was taken to the Famous Jagannath Temple in Puri for prayer, seeking a boon in their very first upcoming One Day International match against England.
LEAF: Prayers by the cricketers

On Saturday morning, Team India players Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel reached Jagannath Temple. The SJTA warmly welcomed the players and accompanied them through the Beherana Dwara The players of the Indian cricket team offered prayers at the Ratna Singhasan to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.it was done at a high security creating comfortable conditions for both the laced and the temple visitors.

Odisha: Indian cricket team players visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri to seek blessings pic.twitter.com/fXtNjbJSuP

— IANS (@ians_india) February 8, 2025

Reaction of the Team After Temple Tour
The cricketers after the prayers, thanked God for allowing them the privilege of visiting such a holy place. Displaying elation, celebrating bringing home God's grace ahead a very important match for added power and confidence

ALSO READ:Shubman Gill on Learning from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Two Different Batting Approaches

Current India series position
India have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after beating Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first match on February 6. The match at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on the 9th is must for both the teams. Indian festivities: The team will be hoping to stay slightly hot in the series

Crickets lovers around the globe are awaiting for the ICC Men's Player of the Month for January 2025. This time, the nomination of players features individuals from three cricketing countries that have really fantsatic on field over the past month. The nominees are 

• Noman Ali (Pakistan)
• Jomel Warrican (West Indies)
• Varun Chakravarthy (India)

Lets take a close look on them:

1. Noman Ali (Pakistan)
Left-arm spinner of Pakistan ,Noman Ali is an experience one and the reason he is here, a quality which can provide them the wickets with good spell of overs in test matches, his controlling of the run rate was much more useful to Pakistan .His performance played a key role in his nomination.

2. Jomel Warrican (West Indies)

Jomel Warrican, another left-arm spinner, is something different for the West Indies. He has been consistent in wicket taking and in economical spells at crucial times to help his team. His show in some of the recent matches has made him a strog container for the award.

3. Varun Chakravarthy (India)
India's mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, has earned his recognition in limited-overs cricket with variations and accuracy. He has won the match with his spin, destroing batting order. Hence is well deserved of this nomination.

ALSO SEE : Major Changes for champions Trophy in Australia: Cummins & Hazlewood Out, New Faces Added to ODI Squad

Performance Comparison for nominees (January 2025)

The Nominees for ICC Men's Player of the Month - January 2025 🏆

1) Noman Ali 🇵🇰
2) Jomel Warrican 🌴
3) Varun Chakravarthy 🇮🇳

Who will win the award? 👀#Cricket #ICC #India #VarunChakravarthy pic.twitter.com/FaTQNNoGDU

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 6, 2025

The result will come  with a selection through voting for both the ICC Voting Academy as well as ,the cricket watching Fans . ICC Men's Player of the Month - January 2025. Competition and struggle seem great due to remarkable abilities for the nominees.
Who do you think will take the crown?  

Recent India's 4-1 T20I series win over England has captured it's players into the top of the latest ICC T20I rankings. Abhishek Sharma, the left-handed opening all-rounder, has shot up 38 places to attain the No. 2 ranking among T20I batters.while Varun Chakravarthy secures No. 2 among bowlers.

Dominance of India in T20:

Whether it’s in the T20 World Cups or in bilateral series, India has consistently shown they are one of the most successful teams. With rising stars like Abhishek Sharma stepping up, the team is only getting stronger. India’s passion for the game and the depth of their talent make it clear that they are set to rule the T20 for upcoming years. Still, there is alot to come from India about domination in any format of the game.

- Abhishek Sharma number 2 in ICC T20I Batters ranking.

- Varun Chakravarthy number 2 in ICC T20I bowlers ranking.

THE DOMINANCE OF WORLD CHAMPIONS...!!!! pic.twitter.com/tnOS3fe2ds

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 5, 2025

Abhishek Sharma : A batting rise 

Recently Abhishek gave the best of his young-international career cricketing innings and smashed a belligerent 135 that came in a fifth and the final match played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and a sudden move in ranking from 38 place forward .Abhishek Sharma's fearless batting and attacking stance has captured cricketing world on a storming ride. Along with consistent knocks, he's been able to rise to no. 2 in the ICC T20I batting rankings. The way Abhishek would take on any bowler on day one from the very begning and play cricket aggressively has him become a solid contributor for the shortest format from India. Everyone is loving him for his style of playand a future diamond for Indian cricket.

He is proving that his mentor is yuvraj singh.

ALSO READ:Key Players to Watch in the India-Pakistan Clash – Champions Trophy 2025

T20 International (T20I) Career:

• Matches Played: 17
• Innings Batted: 16
• Runs Scored: 535
• Batting Average: 33.43
• Strike Rate: 193.84
• Centuries: 2
• Half-Centuries: 2
• Highest Score: 135
• Fours: 46
• Sixes: 41

In his T20I career, Sharma has also contributed with the ball:

• Wickets Taken: 6
• Best Bowling Figures: 2/3
• Bowling Average: 25.50
• Economy Rate: 8.05

Varun Chakravarthy : Bowling Dominance :

Varun Chakravarthy is the mystery spin bowler who has also catapulted to No. 2 in the ICC T20I bowling rankings. The variations and control over the spin make him a great threat to opposition batters.

He was at his best in the recent T20I series against England. He awarded as the Player of the Series for his excellent bowling as he took 14 wickets throughout the series.

T20 International (T20I) Career:

• Matches Played: 18
• Innings Bowled: 18
• Overs Bowled: 68.3
• Runs Conceded: 481
• Wickets Taken: 33
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/17
• Bowling Average: 14.57
• Economy Rate: 7.02
• Strike Rate: 12.4
• Four-Wicket Hauls: 0
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 2

4th T20I of India vs England Predicted XI & Match details

The 4 T20I between India and England is a must win for both trying to get out of the series. India might opt for the strongest XI in the 4th T20I beginning with Suryakumar Yadav as Rinku Singh has fully fit and returns for the 4th T20I against England, strengthening India's middle order by his explosive finishing. He would add a crucial depth and power to the batting line up in this match.

Match Details:

• Match: IND VS ENG,4th,T20I
• Date: January 31, 7:00 PM (IST)
• Venue:Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
• Live streaming:Star Sports Network, DD Sports & Disney+HotStar

Predicted playing IX:

1. Sanju Samson (WK): Provides stability at the top and adds flexibility in the batting order.
2. Abhishek Sharma: A young left-hander with aggressive stroke play, capable of providing quick starts.
3. Tilak Varma: A dependable middle-order batter with the ability to accelerate when needed.
4. Suryakumar Yadav (C): The skipper and India’s most experienced T20 batter, known for his 360-degree shots.
5. Hardik Pandya: The pace-bowling all-rounder adds power with the bat and provides crucial overs.
6. Rinku Singh: Back to full fitness, he is India’s designated finisher with exceptional hitting ability in the death overs.
7. Washington Sundar: A spin-bowling all-rounder, effective in both batting and bowling departments.
8. Axar Patel: A key player in the lower order, offering control with the ball and handy contributions with the bat.
9. Arshdeep Singh: India’s lead left-arm pacer, effective with both the new and old ball.
10. Mohammed Shami:  pacer brings experience and pace to the bowling attack.
11. Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner can trouble England’s batters with his variations.

India's Probable XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy

Key Updates:

• Rinku Singh is fit and comes back into the playing XI.
• The experience from Mohammed Shami will also bolster the pace attack.
• Varun Chakravarthy's mystery spin will be of huge importance in Ranchi conditions
• Balanced team with both old players and new blood.

ALSO READ:Legends 90 League 2025: Begins on February 8 in Raipur, Squads Announced

Varun Chakravarthy's Tattoo of Thalapathy Vijay: A Symbol of Admiration and Inspiration

In cricket and pop culture, it is common to see athletes sporting tattoos that carry deep personal meaning or reflect their influences. Indian cricketer Varun Chakravarthy has recently garnered attention for a tattoo that stands out both for its significance and its connection to a legendary figure in Tamil cinema. The tattoo depicts none other than the iconic actor Thalapathy Vijay, one of the most beloved stars in Indian film.

The Influence of Thalapathy Vijay

Vijay is a very good movie star who acts in Tamil movies, and people think he's amazing on TV. He has been in movies for many years, and a large number of people truly like him. In his movies, he usually plays heroes who are incredibly brave and always want to do the right thing. Young ones and adults both love his movies because he appears like a leader and never gives up.Vijay is not simply a movie star to a lot of people, he's someone who really inspires them. Varun Chakravarthy enjoys Vijay's movies a lot, he even got a tattoo to show how much he looks up to him. Vijay is so proficient at making people feel things that they started calling him Thalapathy, which is another word for a major leader.People truly adore him

Varun Chakravarthy has a Tattoo of THALAPATHY VIJAY 🙇

- Vijay is an Emotion to all. pic.twitter.com/5dchrSEUmQ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 25, 2025

Varun Chakravarthy: A Rising Star in Cricket

Varun Chakravarthy is unfathomably proficient at cricket. Chakravarthy does this positive thing when he throws the ball he spins it in a manner that makes it very tricky, and not many others can do it like he does. Mister Chakravarthy was born a long time ago, in 1991. A lot of people began to learn about him when he played in a major cricket game in India called the Indian Premier League.Both kids who like cricket and also adults who know a lot about the game think he's amazing because of his special throw.Varun used to make plans for buildings like an architect. But then he chose to hit a ball with a bat. He practiced a lot and became really, top rate. Now he shows everyone he is strong and amazing at cricket. He didn't always think he'd be a cricket player.Chakravarthy worked utterly hard or difficult and never gave up, just like in the films of his favorite actor, Vijay. He really likes Vijay because he's brave and strong in his movies. That's probably why Chakravarthy got a tattoo of Vijay. He became very good at cricket because he kept trying and trying.

ALSO READ:Watch: MS Dhoni visits CISF Unit ASG Ranchi to inspire everyone

The Tattoo: A Personal Tribute

Varun Chakravarthy showed everyone his new tattoo, and it has a picture of Thalapathy Vijay looking very nice on it. Varun must think Vijay is very good to get a tattoo of him. Sometimes people get tattoos because they mean something special, and this one probably shows how much Varun likes Vijay. Varun might even think Vijay is an inspiration for him as he tries to be really good at cricket too. It's really acceptable to see how famous Indian people love both making movies and playing cricket. A lot of people really like both. You can tell cricket players think movie stars are really impressive because Varun Chakravarthy got a picture of a movie star drawn on his skin with ink! His tattoo of Thalapathy Vijay shows how much he admires him.

It also shows how in India, everyone truly enjoys both movies and sports.

England Blame Indian Smog for Spin Troubles

Harry Brook(Vice captian), said his team had trouble because of how smoky the air was when they played cricket against India in Kolkata. They were trying to strike the ball , but they only got 132 runs and they lost all wickets. Brook got out because he couldn't see the ball moves that India's spin bowlers, such as Varun Chakravarthy, were doing.

These Spin tricks were very important because they made England's players sent back to the pavilion. After the game, he said, I didn't play against Bishnoi, but it's literally hard or difficult to know what Chakravarthy is going to do with the ball. The spinning of the ball were  excellent and made it tough for England.

ALSO READ: literallyMs Dhoni using mobile during his practice session sparks curiosity 

Harry Brook said, "it was harder to pick the ball due to the smog in Kolkata. Hopefully, the air is a bit clearer in Chennai and we can see the ball a bit easier". (Telegraph). pic.twitter.com/7IozT0UcAJ

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 24, 2025

It was as though the smoky air was there, but directed inward, yet externally applied which means it felt like it got all inside England's heads, but it was actually the air all around them, making things hard. Since they lost, England's coaches said, we need to change our plan of action, and are making the team a bit different ahead of the next game in Chennai, where they try to move the ball using sticks in Chennai.

They're bringing in Brydon Carse to help them understand the other team out. England's team is trying very hard to win the next match . Now, they have to get used to the manner the ball spins a lot in India and we know  that chennai is famous about spin pitches. And finally Englang is Preparing hard to win the match in Chennai.

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has made a compelling case for including Varun Chakaravarthy in India's squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The seasoned "mystery spinner," who has shown exceptional form since his return to the international T20 scene, recently delivered an outstanding five-wicket haul in the second T20I against South Africa. Karthik believes that India would be missing out on a valuable asset if they overlook Chakaravarthy for this major tournament.

Karthik highlights Chakaravarthy’s remarkable comeback

Dinesh Karthik has been closely following Varun Chakaravarthy’s journey, having played alongside him for both Tamil Nadu and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Karthik emphasized the spinner's impressive growth and the vital role he could play in India’s Champions Trophy campaign. Since his return to the national squad in the T20I series against Bangladesh, Chakaravarthy has grabbed attention with his bowling, finishing as a joint-highest wicket-taker in that series.

Reflecting on the journey of the 33-year-old, Karthik took to social media to emphasize the impact Chakaravarthy could make if chosen for the Champions Trophy, stating, "If India don't pick VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY for the Champions Trophy, then they are making a grave error. Outstanding bowler he is turning out to be."

If india don't pick VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY for the Champions Trophy , then they are making a grave error

Outstanding Bowler he is turning out to be #INDvSA #CricketTwitter #Cricket

— DK (@DineshKarthik) November 10, 2024

Chakaravarthy’s five-for against South Africa strengthen his case

In the recent T20I match against South Africa at St George's Park, Chakaravarthy exhibited his ability to deliver under pressure, claiming five wickets for just 17 runs. Despite India's struggles with the bat, where they managed a modest total of 124/6, Chakaravarthy’s remarkable spell nearly swung the game in India’s favor. His introduction in the sixth over dismantled South Africa's batting order, with the Proteas losing wickets consistently.

Ultimately, Chakaravarthy’s stellar performance couldn’t prevent India from a narrow defeat, as South Africa chased down the target with three wickets remaining, thanks to an impressive 42-run eighth-wicket partnership between Tristan Stubbs (47*) and Gerald Coetzee (19*). Chakaravarthy’s impact, however, underscored his value as a game-changer, reinforcing Karthik’s call for his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad.

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB reportedly wants clarification from ICC about BCCI's decision

Karthik's plea on behalf of Chakaravarthy reflects a belief in his unique skill set and the balance he could bring to India’s bowling attack. Given his ability to adapt to various conditions and his knack for taking wickets in the middle overs, Chakaravarthy could be an asset to India's Champions Trophy aspirations. Karthik’s endorsement further positions the spinner as a potential X-factor for India, particularly in high-stakes matches.

In an intense second T20I showdown, South Africa edged past India to level the series, thanks to a stellar finish by Tristan Stubbs, who single-handedly carried his side to victory. India's Varun Chakaravarthy was the star with the ball, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul, but his efforts went in vain as India's pace attack faltered at the death. Sent into bat by South African skipper Aiden Markram under cloudy skies, India struggled to find momentum. Early breakthroughs by Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee sent shockwaves through India’s top order, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma departing cheaply. Despite Hardik Pandya's resilient 39* off 45 balls and brief support from Tilak Varma and Axar Patel, India could only muster a modest 124/8.

In response, South Africa's chase began with a quick 22-run stand between Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton before Arshdeep Singh provided India with a breakthrough. Chakaravarthy then spun his web, decimating South Africa's top order and recording his career-best figures of 5/17. However, as the match neared its conclusion, Gerald Coetzee's quickfire cameo (19 off 9) set the stage for Stubbs, the local hero, to seal the game. With unwavering composure, Stubbs scored an unbeaten 47 off 41 balls, guiding South Africa home with an over to spare and giving the home crowd a reason to celebrate. Despite India’s valiant efforts, particularly from Chakaravarthy, the Proteas emerged victorious in this gripping encounter.

See Also: Varun Chakravarthy's Consistent Form Shines Again in South Africa

Breaking Down Varun Chakaravarthy's Mastery on Stump-Focused Deliveries

In a thrilling second T20I against South Africa, Varun Chakaravarthy emerged as India’s standout bowler, displaying impeccable precision and control. Concentrating 58% of his deliveries on the stumps, Varun relentlessly attacked the batters, forcing them into constant defense and eventually breaking through their lineup. His bowling spell of 4 overs was a masterclass in spin bowling, where his consistent stump-focused approach made it difficult for the South African batters to score freely.

Each over in Varun’s spell demonstrated his tactical bowling and his ability to adapt to the game’s demands. He started with an economical first over, conceding only 1 run, setting the tone for a controlled spell. Although his second and third overs were slightly more expensive, conceding 7 and 8 runs respectively, Varun's wicket-taking ability kept South Africa under pressure. He returned in his final over with another low-scoring performance, conceding only 1 run, showcasing his ability to adjust and finish strong.

Varun’s impact on the South African batting order was immense, as seen in his remarkable stats. He bowled 54% of his deliveries as dot balls, putting a stranglehold on the scoring rate. This pressure led to five crucial wickets, with Varun achieving a fantastic economy rate of 4.5, the lowest among Indian bowlers in the match. His ability to maintain pressure through dots and breakthroughs played a pivotal role in containing the South African batters, despite India's eventual loss.

The pitch map analysis of Varun's deliveries further highlights his skill in targeting key areas. He delivered a mix of variations, with his deliveries primarily around the stumps, as seen by the cluster of dots and wickets on the map. The pitch map also shows his effectiveness in conceding minimal boundaries, as indicated by the sparse presence of runs scored off him. His disciplined line and length forced errors, resulting in the multiple wickets that brought India back into the game during crucial phases.

Despite India falling short in the final moments, Varun Chakaravarthy’s spell was a major highlight of the game, showcasing his immense value as a spinner. His ability to execute a stump-focused strategy and maintain a consistent economy rate while taking wickets reflects his potential to be a game-changer for India in T20 cricket. Although the match ended in South Africa’s favor, Varun’s performance will be remembered as a brave and skilled effort that nearly turned the tide for his team.

See Also: Sanju Samson's brilliant century propels India in T20 series against South Africa