Ravichandran Ashwin clarified his previous comments regarding the early introduction of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, responding to trolls who misinterpreted his remarks. Ashwin noted that Chakravarthy entered the attack in the sixth over due to New Zealand’s aggressive start, which necessitated his early inclusion. He explained that his tweet was not a critique of captain Rohit Sharma’s decision. Chakravarthy took 2/45 in his 10 overs, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps. Kuldeep Yadav also excelled, helping to restrict New Zealand to 251/7.
R Ashwin has clarified his comments regarding the early introduction of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy.© AFP
Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin provided clarification on his remarks about bringing in mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy early during the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, addressing the trolls who misinterpreted his comment. Chakravarthy was brought into the attack during the sixth over of the first innings. Ashwin took to X to express his thoughts on the decision made by India’s captain Rohit Sharma, stating, “Varun in early! Not ideal.” Rohit’s decision proved beneficial as he dismissed Will Young right in front of the stumps, paving the way for ‘Chinaman’ Kuldeep Yadav to showcase his spin skills.
Ashwin faced backlash from some fans on social media for his comments, who perceived them as a critique of Rohit’s captaincy. He responded decisively, explaining that his tweet was aimed at how New Zealand’s aggressive start necessitated the early introduction of the mystery spinner.
“How is this tweet about captaincy? The intensity of fan reactions is astonishing. That tweet referenced how NZ began pressing us to use Varun upfront,” he articulated on X.
Chakravarthy ended his spell with figures of 2 for 45 over 10 overs, wrapping up the tournament with a total of nine wickets across three matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker.
The crucial match commenced with New Zealand winning the toss and opting to bowl first. The Kiwis started strong with a 57-run partnership between Will Young (15) and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29 balls, inclusive of four boundaries and a six). Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) was instrumental in slowing down the scoring, leading to New Zealand being reduced to 75 for 3.
A partnership of 57 runs between Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101 balls, with three fours) and Michael Bracewell advanced New Zealand’s score. Bracewell played a significant role, finishing unbeaten on 53 off 40 balls, which included three boundaries and two sixes, helping New Zealand reach 251 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs.
Kuldeep (2/40) and Varun (2/45) emerged as India’s leading wicket-takers. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami also contributed with a wicket; however, his spell was costly, allowing 74 runs in nine overs.
(Aside from the headline, this article has not been modified by NDTV personnel and is published from a syndicated source.)
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