Varun Chakravarthy delivered an impressive performance in his second ODI, taking 5 wickets for 42 runs and leading India to a 44-run victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy. His performance has put the team management in a dilemma ahead of the semi-final against Australia. Former legspinner Anil Kumble praised Varun, highlighting his consistent match-winning ability across various teams. Varun expressed his initial nervousness but gained confidence with support from senior players. With the potential for a spin-heavy attack in Dubai, India looks to leverage this advantage in the upcoming matches.
“I believe Varun has been outstanding for the past 1-1.5 years, consistently helping whichever team he represents, whether it’s Tamil Nadu, KKR, or India in T20Is,” Kumble stated on ESPNcricinfo Match Day. “And today, he got the chance [in ODIs], especially since India was already through.”
“Considering the pitch and conditions for the semi-final and hopefully the final for India, this is certainly promising.”
“If this is the type of pitch India continues to face in Dubai, then this four-pronged spin attack could pose a significant challenge for any team. Australia will find it very tough to manage these four spinners.”
With New Zealand needing to chase down 250, Varun began by taking out Will Young. Later in the middle overs, he struck again, capturing key middle-order wickets of Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell in consecutive deliveries, before also dismissing Mitchell Santner, who was proving to be a threat with a boundary and two sixes. Just one ball later, he claimed Matt Henry to complete his five-wicket haul. India secured victory in the following over.
Varun’s previous ODI match took place in the three-match series against England leading up to the Champions Trophy, where he ended up with figures of 1 for 52.
After the match on Sunday, Varun admitted that he felt nervous at the start, but conversations with the senior players helped him settle. “I found out last night [that I would be playing],” he mentioned. “I was eager to represent the country and looking forward to the opportunity, but I was also a bit anxious since I haven’t played much for India in ODIs.
“However, as the match progressed, I became more comfortable. Virat was chatting with me, and Rohit bhai