The X-factor round thriller spinner Varun Chakaravarthy’s bowling influenced his selection for India’s final Champions Trophy group recreation in opposition to New Zealand, skipper Rohit Sharma stated right here on Sunday (March 2, 2025) after the transfer proved to be a masterstroke.
Chakaravarthy justified his selection within the XI with wonderful figures of 5/42 in 10 overs, as India registered a convincing 44-run victory to high Group A on method to the semifinals alongside the Kiwis in second place.
“He has got something different about him, so wanted to try and see what he had to offer. We got to think a little about what to do for the next game, it’s a good headache. If he gets it right, it’s very difficult to read him,” Rohit stated of Chakaravarthy on the presentation ceremony.
India will play Australia within the first semifinal right here on Tuesday (March 4, 2025) with New Zealand taking on South Africa the next day in Lahore.
“It will be a good game, Australia has a rich history of playing well in ICC tournaments, but is is about us and what we want to do on that particular day. It will be a great contest, looking forward to that. Hopefully we can stitch one towards us.” Rohit stated it was essential to keep up the profitable momentum in a brief event just like the Champions Trophy.
“Critical to possibly win every game and doing everything right in a short tournament. Important to correct mistakes quickly, and that’s where we know if your team is going up or going down.
“Important to complete on a excessive. We performed an ideal recreation. It was essential at that stage (after being 30/3) to construct a partnership, and I assumed we got to a great whole.” Player of the Match Chakaravarthy said he came to know on Saturday (March 1, 2025) night that he would be playing this match.
“I did really feel nervous within the preliminary phases. I’ve not performed many matches for India within the ODI format however as the sport went on I felt higher. Virat, Rohit, Shreyas and Hardik had been speaking to me and that helped,” Chakaravarthy said.
“I discovered final night time (that I might be taking part in). It was not a rank turner, however if you happen to bowled in the correct locations it was giving assist.” New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said the wicket turned a bit more when they were batting and India’s four quality spinners exploited it to the hilt.
Published – March 03, 2025 08:56 am IST
