Varun Chakravarthy Shines Against New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli's Role in His Success

India continues to dominate in the Champions Trophy 2025, securing a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final group-stage match in Dubai. The highlight of the match was mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who stunned the Kiwi batting lineup with a brilliant five-wicket haul (5/42 in 10 overs). His inclusion in the playing XI turned out to be a game-changing decision, as explained by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma post-match.

Varun Chakravarthy takes 5 wickets vs New Zealand

in Champions Trophy 2025 as Rohit Sharma and

Virat Kohli guide India to the semifinals.@BCCI Photo

Rohit Sharma’s Masterstroke: The Selection of Varun Chakravarthy

Ahead of the crucial encounter, India opted for the X-factor in Varun Chakravarthy, whose unorthodox bowling style has made him difficult to read. Skipper Rohit Sharma highlighted this strategic move during the presentation ceremony:

"He has got something different about him, so we wanted to see what he had to offer. If he gets it right, he is very difficult to pick. We now have a good headache regarding our selection for the semifinals."

Chakravarthy justified the decision with a match-winning performance, helping India finish at the top of Group A, with New Zealand qualifying in second place.

India to Face Australia in Semifinal Clash

With this victory, India set up an exciting semifinal clash against Australia, a team known for its dominance in ICC tournaments. Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenge but remained confident:

"Australia has a rich history of playing well in ICC tournaments, but it’s about us and what we need to do on that day. It will be a great contest, and we are looking forward to it."

On the other hand, New Zealand will take on South Africa in the second semifinal, scheduled to be played in Lahore.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma & Hardik Pandya Boost Chakravarthy’s Confidence

Despite his exceptional talent, Varun Chakravarthy admitted to feeling nervous early in the game. However, the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya, played a crucial role in keeping him motivated.

"I was nervous at the start. I have not played many ODIs for India, but as the game progressed, I felt more confident. Virat, Rohit, Shreyas, and Hardik were constantly talking to me, which helped ease my nerves," Chakravarthy revealed post-match.

His impressive spell on a pitch that wasn’t a rank turner showcased his ability to exploit conditions effectively.

Winning Momentum Crucial for India

Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in a short tournament like the Champions Trophy:

"Winning every game is critical in such tournaments. It is important to correct mistakes quickly. That’s how you determine whether a team is improving or declining. We played a perfect game today."

India’s batting lineup also showed resilience after a shaky start at 30/3. The middle order built crucial partnerships to set up a competitive total, which the bowlers defended superbly.

New Zealand Struggled Against India’s Spin Attack

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the difficulties his team faced against India’s spinners:

"The wicket turned more when we were batting, and India’s four quality spinners made full use of it. We couldn’t build enough partnerships."

Final Thoughts: India’s Strength in the Knockouts

With the Champions Trophy 2025 reaching its decisive phase, India looks well-prepared for the knockouts. The strategic selection of Varun Chakravarthy, guided by Rohit Sharma and backed by Virat Kohli, has added a new dimension to India's bowling attack. As they prepare to face Australia in the semifinal, maintaining their winning momentum and tactical sharpness will be key to securing a place in the final.

Related article:

• Virat Kohli Left Stunned as Glenn Phillips Takes a Sensational Catch in Champions Trophy Clash
• Virat Kohli: The King of Cricket and His Legendary Career

FAQs:

1.     Why was Varun Chakravarthy selected for India’s match against New Zealand in CT 2025?
Varun Chakravarthy was picked for his mystery spin, which proved crucial in India's win.

2.     How did Varun Chakravarthy perform against New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025?
He took 5 wickets for 42 runs, playing a key role in India's 44-run victory.

3.     What did Rohit Sharma say about Varun Chakravarthy’s performance?
Rohit praised Chakravarthy's unique bowling style, calling him difficult to read.

4.     How did Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma support Varun Chakravarthy?
They reassured and guided him on the field, helping him stay calm under pressure.

5.     Who will India face in the CT 2025 semifinals?
India will take on Australia in the first semifinal of the tournament.

6.     How important was India’s win against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy?
The victory helped India finish at the top of Group A and secure a semifinal spot.

7.     What did Rohit Sharma say about facing Australia in the semifinals?
He acknowledged Australia’s strong ICC record but emphasized India’s focus on execution.

8.     Why was New Zealand unable to chase India’s total?
India’s quality spin attack, led by Chakravarthy, made scoring difficult for New Zealand.

9.     When did Varun Chakravarthy find out he was playing against New Zealand?
He was informed the night before the match, which made him nervous at first.

10.  How did the pitch conditions affect India vs. New Zealand in CT 2025?
The pitch offered turn, benefiting India’s spinners and making batting tougher for New Zealand.

 

Stay tuned for more updates on India’s journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025!