Suresh Raina opens up on Kuldeep Yadav vs Varun Chakaravarthy debate ahead of 2025 Champions Trophy

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina wants India to prefer Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Varun Chakravarthy in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Raina believes Kuldeep bring different skills to the table as compared to Varun Chakravarthy.

Chakravarthy made his debut in the second ODI against England and returned with figures of 1-54 in his quota of four overs. Varun had scalped 14 wickets in five T20Is at an average of 9.86 against England and thus bagged Player of the Series award.

On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav returned with figures of 1-53 in the opening ODI at Nagpur. Yadav has more ODI experience as he has scalped 173 wickets in 107 ODI matches at an average of 26.16.

Suresh Raina said on Star Sports, “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.”

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav bagged 10 wickets in five matches of the T20 World Cup 2024 and thus he played an instrumental role in India’s triumph in the tournament.

Furthermore, the wrist spinner had snared 15 wickets in 11 matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup at an average of 28.26 and did a fine job in the middle overs. Ergo, he played a key role in taking India to the final in the ODI showpiece.

The final and third ODI between India and England will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday.