2025 icc champions trophy 2025.
In their last group match of the 2025 Champions Trophy on Sunday, India took on New Zealand in Dubai with a four-spinner attack.
India Sets Up Semi-Final Clash with Australia After Dominant Win Over New Zealand
Led by Rohit Sharma, Team India secured a solid 44-run victory against New Zealand in their final group match of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday. With this win, India is set to face defending champions Australia in the first semi-final on Tuesday.
India opted for a spin-heavy attack, featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy. The decision paid off, as Chakaravarthy shined with a five-wicket haul against New Zealand. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri believes India should stick with this winning formula against Australia
Shastri Backs Spinners and a Strong First-Innings Total for Semi-Final
After India’s win over New Zealand, former coach Ravi Shastri shared his thoughts on the pitch conditions in Dubai. Speaking to the official broadcasters, he said, “The pitch is a bit worn out, and with people having run on it ahead of the next game, spinners will play a big role again. If you bat first and put up anything over 240-250, it will be a very competitive total in a high-pressure semi-final.”
Chakaravarthy Shines with Five-Wicket Haul as India’s Spin Strategy Pays Off
Varun Chakaravarthy, who missed India’s first two matches, including the opener against Pakistan, made a big impact in just his third ODI. The 33-year-old, who debuted against England last month, claimed his first five-wicket haul in ODIs on Sunday. He dismissed Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry, playing a crucial role in New Zealand’s collapse.
India went with a spin-heavy approach, dropping pacer Harshit Rana, and their spinners delivered—bowling 37.3 overs and picking up nine wickets. With Australia set to play their first match in Dubai this tournament, former Indian selector Kris Srikkanth has backed India’s decision to use four spinners, calling it a ‘brilliant idea.’
Srikkanth Backs Spin-Heavy Approach Against Australia
Former Indian selector Kris Srikkanth strongly supports India’s decision to play four spinners, questioning the need for pacer Harshit Rana. Speaking on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka, he said, “Why do you need Harshit Rana? What did Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy do wrong? Playing four spinners isn’t just a good idea it’s a brilliant one. The opposition has no clue how to handle it. Australia has a strong batting lineup, but even they will struggle against this Indian spin attack. Varun Chakaravarthy will weave a web around the Aussies.”
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Ashwin Questions India’s Decision to Pick Five Spinners
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had earlier expressed his doubts about India’s selection strategy, criticizing the decision to include five spinners in the final squad for the Champions Trophy. Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, he said, “I don’t understand why we’re taking so many spinners to Dubai. I get taking three or four, but five? That seems like one too many, if not two.”
Varun Chakaravarthy’s Stunning Performance Poses Selection Dilemma for Semi-Final
Varun Chakaravarthy, who replaced Harshit Rana for India’s final group match in the Champions Trophy, delivered a standout performance that gives the team management a tough decision ahead of the semi-final against Australia. Playing just his second ODI, he grabbed 5 wickets for 42 runs, playing a key role in India’s 44-run victory over New Zealand in Dubai.
