(BCCI Credit)
Following the announcement of BCCI’s 18-man squad for the upcoming bilateral T20I series in Zimbabwe next month, India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy shared a series of cryptic messages on his social media stories. Despite playing a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ victory in IPL 2024, Chakaravarthy was conspicuously absent from the squad selection.
“I wish I had a paid PR agency!” read the caption of the first story shared by the legspinner who has represented India in six T20Is.
Chakaravarthy made a significant impact for KKR during IPL 2024, taking 21 wickets in 15 matches. His tally made him the leading wicket-taker for KKR and the second-highest overall for the season, just behind Harshal Patel who took 24 wickets.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference,” read the caption of the second story from Chakaravarthy.
India Squad For Zimbabwe T20Is: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Reddy, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande.
A youthful Indian squad under Shubman Gill’s captaincy is scheduled to visit Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series, marking their first engagement following the ongoing T20 World Cup. The series commences on July 6, with all matches set to take place in Harare.
Varun Chakaravarthy, aged 32, earned his debut for India in July 2021 against Sri Lanka and was also included in the squad for the T20 World Cup later that year. However, following a disappointing performance in the tournament, he was excluded from subsequent squads and has not represented India since.
Five players in the 18-man squad have received their first call-ups, most of whom impressed during IPL 2024. They are Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tushar Deshpande, and Dhruv Jurel.
