New Delhi: Indian spin bowler Varun Chakravarthy made a remarkable start to his first match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He bowled an impactful spell with shrewdness in India’s final group stage fixture against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The Tamil Nadu-born leg-spinner accounted for the dismissals of Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry to claim his career’s maiden ODI fifer only in the second match. Chakravarthy, who became the second-oldest Indian cricketer to make ODI debut against England last month, returned with figures of 5 for 42 as the Black Caps were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs.
India went on to win the match 44 runs and topped Group A in the Champions Trophy to set up a mouth-watering clash with Australia in the first semifinal.
What selection headache is there for India ahead of semifinals?
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who played 55 ODI matches for India between 2013 and 2019, said that Chakravarthy’s impressive show has now created a selection dilemma for the team management before the semifinal clash.
“His impressive performance might have created a selection dilemma heading into the semi-finals. India will have a tough time deciding, with so many big players to choose from, but Varun Chakravarthy has been brilliant,” Rayudu said on JioHotstar.
“We’ve seen his impact in India, and all the spinners were outstanding today—Jadeja was amazing, and all four spinners bowled exceptionally well. The pitch definitely assisted them, but New Zealand’s batsmen also struggled against spin, which is an area they will need to improve,” he added.
Chakravarthy didn’t play the first couple of matches for India and came in the third game for the final in place of young pacer Harshit Rana. His spell against New Zealand will certainly give the selectors something to ponder. Perhaps the team think tank could field the same playing XI against Australia after the New Zealand win.
Varun Chakravarthy’s outstanding performance in India’s Champions Trophy victory against New Zealand solidified his place in the team. His five-wicket haul (5/42) was instrumental in bowling out New Zealand for 205, securing a 44-run win for India. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
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