Tamil Nadu's Varun Chakravarthy is making a compelling case for selection ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy with consistent performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The leg-break googly bowler delivered a decisive five-wicket haul in Tamil Nadu's pre-quarterfinal clash against Rajasthan at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday, 9 January.

Chakravarthy played a pivotal role in restricting Rajasthan to 267 runs despite a strong start by the opposition. The Kolkata Knight Riders spinner broke a crucial 160-run second-wicket partnership between centurion Abhijeet Tomar (111) and captain Mahipal Lomror (60). Chakravarthy dismissed both batters, along with Rajasthan's hard-hitting middle-order batter Deepak Hooda, triggering a collapse that saw Rajasthan slip from 184 for 1 to 209 for 4.

The KKR spinner used his variations to trouble the Rajasthan batters, with a well-set Mahipal Lomror falling to a deceptive googly that broke the big partnership.

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The Champions Trophy is set to get underway on February 19 with India playing their games in Dubai. The squad for the premier eight-team 50-over tournament is , sources told India Today.

Varun Charkvarthy is the leading wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in the ongoing season. The spinner has taken 18 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, in six matches. More importantly, his economy rate of 4.36 is the best for a bowler with a minimum of 15 wickets in the tournament. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is at the second spot with 17 wickets at an economy rate of 5.53 in six matches.

Varun Chakravarthy returned to international cricket after a three-year absence in 2024 and has been striving to cement his place in the T20I side. The spinner picked up 12 wickets in four matches in a T20I series in South Africa last year -- a tally that included a five-wicket haul in Gqeberha.

Although Chakravarthy is yet to make his ODI debut, reports suggest he is in contention for a spot in the squad. Notably, his recall to international cricket last year was backed by coach Gautam Gambhir.

India face a conundrum with their spin-bowling resources for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Kuldeep Yadav, who missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to injury concerns, is expected to return to action. Additionally, the likes of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar are all in the mix for selection.

Varun's recent performances and ability to be an attacking option the middle overs may give him an edge as selectors finalise the squad for the marquee tournament.