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'Why After 3 Years?'- Aakash Chopra On Varun Chakaravarthy's Inclusion For BAN T20Is

Varun Chakaravarthy eyes his comeback to national side after 3 years (@BCCI/X.com)Varun Chakaravarthy eyes his comeback to national side after 3 years (@BCCI/X.com)

Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra raised an important question regarding Varun Chakaravarthy's potential inclusion in the Indian playing XI for the 1st T20I against Bangladesh in 2024. Chakaravarthy, who last played for India three years ago, has made his way back into the squad, and Chopra believes this means the team management intends to use him.

After an inspiring Test series victory, India is set to take on Bangladesh in a three-game T20I series starting on October 6. Suryakumar Yadav is set to lead the side, with many fresh faces given an opportunity to showcase their talent.

Meanwhile, mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy also made the cut to the final 15-member squad after a three-year-long hiatus from international cricket. However, his inclusion in the playing XI is still uncertain.

Varun Chakaravarthy's place in India's playing XI in jeopardy!

Former cricketer turned analyst Aakash Chopra believes Varun Chakaravarthy's inclusion poses challenges for team selection. However, if the team chose to bring him back after a 3 year gap, it's clear the intention is to give him playing time. Chopra suggested that the team must have plans for Chakravarthy, but pointed out the dilemma it creates when it comes to balancing the lineup, particularly the bowling unit.

"Why have you got someone into the team after three years? You have brought him back to play him. So play him as you want to play him. A slight problem will be in whose place would you play him because there is a pecking order," Chopra said.

One of the key issues is to set the spinners' pecking order. Ravi Bishnoi has been a regular in India's T20 setup and is seemingly ahead in the selection process. Washington Sundar, another key all-rounder, is also a likely pick in the spin department, which complicates things further if the team opts for a balance of both pace and spin.

"Ravi Bishnoi has been your regular T20 bowler for a very long time. You didn't take him for the World Cup but Ravi Bishnoi has been slightly ahead on that list. You will be able to play Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar and Varun Chakaravarthy if you drop a fast bowler," he added.

Mayank Yadav's debut likely in Gwalior 

Ahead of the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior, India captain Suryakumar Yadav hinted at Mayank Yadav's inclusion in the playing XI. 

Mayank, who grabbed the limelight with his extraordinary pace in just 4 IPL games for LSG, has been fast-tracked to the national team. And SKY is banking on the pacer's X-factor to make an impact against Bangladesh.