Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reckoned Varun Chakravarthy was the ‘biggest difference’ in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 as his performance ensured Rohit Sharma-led side to victory.
Varun played only three matches in the ongoing Champions Trophy and picked 9 wickets and emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
In the finals, Varun has got the opening wicket of Will Young and dismissed Glenn Phillips, further tilting the game’s balance in India’s favour.
Ashwin should have been the Player of the Tournament as he was the biggest difference, bringing in the ‘X factor’.
However, Rachin Ravindra was awarded the Player of the Tournament award for scoring 263 runs in four matches, including two centuries.
“Whatever said and done, the Player of the Tournament, in my view, was Varun Chakaravarthy. He didn’t play the entire tournament. He was such a big difference.”
“If Varun Chakaravarthy wasn’t there, I think this game would have been very different. He brought that X-factor and the novelty factor. If I were the judge, I would have given it to Varun. He was the biggest difference,” said Ashwin.
“Just look at how he dismissed Glenn Phillips. He wasn’t covering the stumps, so Varun went wide of the crease and bowled that googly.”
“In my view, Varun has to be the Player of the Series. The award should be given to someone who made the biggest difference. Varun Chakaravarthy deserves the Player of the Series award,” he added.
In the finals against New Zealand, the spinners of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja bowled 38 overs, conceding 144 runs and taking five wickets.
The former spinner India’s performance for restricting New Zealand to 251/7 in the 50 overs, saying the Champions Trophy win is completely dedicated to Indian bowlers.
“I am so happy for Rohit and Gautam Gambhir. Just spare a thought for GG. What must he be going through? Losing Test series against New Zealand, you have been losing a few. But you made a remarkable decision.”
“There was no Jasprit Bumrah. Remarkably, this Indian team won the Champions Trophy without Bumrah. What does it tell you? Where does it leave Indian cricket? I am so happy. I think the world will take some time to catch up with Indian cricket,” said Ashwin.
“This particular Champions Trophy is completely dedicated to the bowlers. Without Jasprit Bumrah, hats off to the bowlers,” he added.
India successfully chased down 252 run target as Rohit Sharma played a valiant innings scoring 76 runs. Axar Patel, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer also made valuable contributions to help India clinch their third Champions Trophy title.
