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Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was the standout performer in India’s 44-run win over New Zealand in their final group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Defending 250, India bowled out the Kiwis for 205 in 45.3 overs, with Chakaravarthy leading the attack. The 32-year-old dismantled the opposition lineup, finishing with 5/42 in 10 overs. His victims included Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry, all of whom struggled to pick his variations.
Following his sensational spell, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh credited Chakaravarthy’s success to his lack of exposure at the international level, making it difficult for batters to read his deliveries.
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Harbhajan Singh on Chakaravarthy’s ‘Magic Portion’
Harbhajan, speaking to India Today, explained why Chakaravarthy has been so effective in the tournament.
🗣️ “See, the magic portion is he’s not played much cricket. That is number one. People don’t know much about him, what he brings onto the table, and his arm speed is quite fast. People are not watching his hand, which way the ball is spinning. They are trying to read him off the pitch, which is very difficult,” said Harbhajan.
He emphasized that batters must focus on reading a spinner’s hand rather than picking the variation after the ball pitches—something the New Zealand batters failed to do.
🗣️ “That’s where the New Zealanders made the mistake, not looking at his hand. And he’s full of confidence. He took a lot of wickets against England too. It’s great to see him getting this game and contributing to India’s success. I hope he continues this form in the semis and the finals,” he added.
Should India Stick with Four Spinners?
Harbhajan also backed India’s decision to play four spinners, urging the team to stick with the same combination against Australia in the semi-final.
🗣️ “We have seen what spinners can do on this wicket. Four spinners against Australia—I definitely feel that this should be the team going forward. Whether it’s Australia, South Africa, or even if New Zealand makes the final, India should retain this team,” Harbhajan remarked.
🗣️ “On these pitches, the teams that play spin better and bowl well in spin-friendly conditions will win more matches. India made the right choice by picking four spinners, and that should be the way forward,” he added.
India vs. Australia – High-Stakes Semi-Final
India will take on Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Tuesday, March 4, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
With Chakaravarthy in red-hot form, the Men in Blue will be hoping for another match-winning spell to seal a spot in the final.
