Spinner Varun Chakravarthy made an impressive debut in the Champions Trophy, leading India to a significant victory over New Zealand with a remarkable performance. His outstanding bowling figures of 5 wickets for 42 runs played a pivotal role in securing a 44-run win, allowing India to claim the top spot in Group A.
Chakravarthy, celebrated for his ‘mystery spin’ techniques, including the effective carrom ball, had previously shined in India’s T20 series against England, where he was awarded player-of-the-series. Despite this accolade, he had often found himself behind established spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja in the team’s lineup during the tournament.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, lauded Chakravarthy’s distinct skills, emphasizing, “He has got something different about him…and we saw he has a lot to offer.” With the semi-final clash against Australia approaching, Rohit recognized the “good headache” of selecting the perfect spin attack, given Chakravarthy’s exceptional performance.
On the other hand, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner remarked that his team underestimated the slower pitch conditions in Dubai during their match. As they gear up for their semi-final against South Africa, he highlighted the critical role of their pace attack, mentioning the contributions of Matt Henry.
Chakravarthy’s rise as a crucial player not only enhances India’s bowling strength but also instills hope as they prepare for the knockout stages of the tournament. Fans can look forward to the team’s depth and talent in its bowling lineup, increasing optimism for a successful Champions Trophy campaign.
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