Varun Chakravarthy replaced Harshit Rana in India’s last group match of the Champions Trophy and delivered a performance that presents a selection dilemma for the team management ahead of the semi-final against Australia. In just his second ODI, Varun took 5 wickets for 42 runs, contributing significantly to India’s 44-run victory over New Zealand in Dubai.
Former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble praised Varun’s ‘exceptional’ skills and suggested that his performance is a positive sign for India, especially as they are set to play their semi-final, and potentially the final, at the same venue.
‘I believe Varun has been outstanding in the past year to year and a half, consistently securing wins for his teams, whether it be Tamil Nadu, KKR, or India in T20 Internationals,’ Kumble stated on a cricket show. ‘Now, he has been given an opportunity in ODIs, particularly since India had already qualified for the next stage.’
‘Considering the pitch and conditions, especially for the semi-final and hopefully the final for India, this is definitely encouraging.’
‘If India continues to play on pitches like this in Dubai, their four-spin bowler strategy could pose a significant challenge to any team. Australia, in particular, might find it very difficult to handle these four spinners.’
When New Zealand was chasing a target of 250, Varun first dismissed Will Young. Later, he returned to take crucial middle-order wickets of Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell in successive overs. He also removed Mitchell Santner, who was looking dangerous with a boundary and two sixes, and then quickly dismissed Matt Henry to complete his five-wicket haul. India concluded the match in the following over.
Varun’s only previous ODI appearance was in the three-match series against England before the Champions Trophy, where he took 1 wicket for 52 runs.
Following Sunday’s game, Varun mentioned that he felt nervous initially, but conversations with senior players helped him to calm down. ‘I learned last night that I would be playing,’ he said. ‘I was eager to play for the country and looking forward to it, but at the same time, I felt a bit nervous because I haven’t played many ODIs for India.’
‘However, as the game progressed, I started to feel more comfortable. Virat and Rohit encouraged me.’
