As per various reports, Tamil Nadu and KKR spinner Varun CV could be doubtful for the home T20I series against England. Varun is in the 19-member team that has been selected to play in the five-match series. If he does drop out, it will be the second time that Varun will be missing out on a chance to wear the blue jersey. The same had happened before the Australia series as well.
The reason behind Varun’s exclusion is his fitness. He is recovering from an injury, and it is said that he has failed to clear the new fitness test by BCCI. Varun has also not played for Tamil Nadu in the recent tournaments. On that note, if he does get ruled out, here are six players who can come in as his replacement.
1. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin is in the form of his career, and it may not be a bad time to plot a comeback for him in the limited-overs format. He also did well in IPL last year. Team India needs experience in this format, and having Ashwin along with Yuzvendra Chahal could turn out to be a match-winning combination.
2. Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar has been on the sidelines of the Indian Team for a few months now. This also shows that the selectors have a few plans for the youngster. Hence, he might be the automatic replacement if Varun CV is ruled out. Rahul bowls well and is a modern T20 bowler. He is a good reader of the game and executes his plans very well. With him in the squad, Yuzvendra Chahal will also be under pressure and might bring out the best of him.
3. Kuldeep Yadav
Yes, he may be out of form, but in terms of variety, not many can offer what Kuldeep Yadav brings to the table. It is too soon to categorize him as an ODI and a Test bowler. He is still young, and there is plenty of time for Kuldeep to rediscover his touch. Also, with the T20 WC nearing, the best option would be to give a long rope to the established players rather than trying out new ones.
4. Ravi Bishnoi
Will Team India take the opportunity to unleash its future in the upcoming series? Well, it is quite possible. With his skills, Ravi Bishnoi is certainly a contender to carry India’s spin-bowling duties in the coming years. He is also in decent form in the domestic tournaments. Hence, he can be brought in to at least experience the feel of playing at the highest level. A good amount of KT can also happen along with Chahal.
5. K Gowtham
K Gowtham is a cricketer tailor-made for the T20 format. He bowls at the start of an innings and can also fill in during the middle-overs. Gowtham is a powerful batsman and can do the unthinkable with the willow. However, these attributes are somewhat similar to Washington Sundar’s. Although this might be a put-off, considering India is looking for players who can bat at No.8, the Karnataka man might not be a bad choice.
6. Shreyas Gopal
Shreyas Gopal has got his mojo back in domestic cricket. He has done well in IPL and deserves a chance. The all-rounder might be a good option for Team India. He is a conventional leg-spinner and offers variety to the line-up. Hence, he can replace Varun CV in the squad.
