Dubai, March 3: Varun Chakravarthy's stunning five-wicket performance against New Zealand has drawn high praise from former cricketers, with Ravi Shastri backing his inclusion in India's Champions Trophy semifinal lineup. Chakravarthy's spell of 5 for 42 played a pivotal role in India's 44-run victory over New Zealand in the final Group A match at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
"Very impressed with him (Chakravarthy), and full marks to the think tank and the team management for making the right choice because he's someone who will get you wickets in the middle overs. It's the right time to unleash him. They brought him into the side; he's got a five-wicket haul, and I think he's there to stay," Shastri said in an ICC video posted on Instagram.
Shastri further highlighted the spinner's current form, noting that his body language and self-confidence made him a threat to top teams like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. "When you look at oppositions like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa that are left in this tournament, not many sides have played too much of him or seen enough of him," he added.
"I think Varun has been exceptional in the last 1-1.5 years, consistently winning matches for whichever team he has played for," Kumble told ESPNcricinfo. "If this is the kind of pitch India will continue to play on in Dubai, then this four-pronged spin attack would be a real challenge for any team. Australia would find it extremely difficult to maneuver these four spinners."
"Varun was great today. Early in his career, he wasn't very consistent with his lines and lengths. But now, his bowling makes him a very difficult bowler to face," Rayudu told JioHotstar. "I don’t think many New Zealand batsmen have played against him much, and he will only continue to improve for India."
Rayudu acknowledged the selection dilemma India faces ahead of the semifinal, with several big players vying for spots. "India will have a tough time deciding, with so many big players to choose from, but Varun Chakravarthy has been brilliant," he said. "We've seen his impact in India, and all the spinners were outstanding today. Jadeja was amazing, and all four spinners bowled exceptionally well."
As India prepares for the upcoming clash with Australia, the role of spinners like Varun Chakravarthy could prove crucial in securing a spot in the final.
Key Highlights:
Ravi Shastri Hails Chakravarthy's Impact
Former head coach Ravi Shastri was full of admiration for Chakravarthy, calling his performance exceptional. Shastri commended both the bowler and the team's decision-making, emphasizing that the young spinner could be a game-changer in the middle overs."Very impressed with him (Chakravarthy), and full marks to the think tank and the team management for making the right choice because he's someone who will get you wickets in the middle overs. It's the right time to unleash him. They brought him into the side; he's got a five-wicket haul, and I think he's there to stay," Shastri said in an ICC video posted on Instagram.
Shastri further highlighted the spinner's current form, noting that his body language and self-confidence made him a threat to top teams like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. "When you look at oppositions like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa that are left in this tournament, not many sides have played too much of him or seen enough of him," he added.
Should India Stick with the Same XI?
With less than 48 hours to turn around for the semifinal, Shastri suggested that India retain the same playing XI, especially given the sluggish pitch in Dubai. "The square is a little tired at the moment; people have run on the pitch that is going to be used the day after, so the spinners will again come into play," he said, hinting that the spinners would be crucial in India's upcoming matches.Anil Kumble Calls Chakravarthy "Exceptional"
Anil Kumble, former India leg-spinner, also lauded Chakravarthy’s performance, calling him "exceptional" in the past 1-1.5 years. Kumble highlighted how Chakravarthy had consistently delivered match-winning performances for various teams, including Tamil Nadu, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and India in T20Is."I think Varun has been exceptional in the last 1-1.5 years, consistently winning matches for whichever team he has played for," Kumble told ESPNcricinfo. "If this is the kind of pitch India will continue to play on in Dubai, then this four-pronged spin attack would be a real challenge for any team. Australia would find it extremely difficult to maneuver these four spinners."
Ambati Rayudu Weighs In
Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu also praised Chakravarthy for his sensational performance. Rayudu pointed out how the spinner's bowling action, which resembles left-arm spin, confuses batsmen, as most of his deliveries are googlies. This makes him a tricky bowler, especially for those who haven’t faced him much before."Varun was great today. Early in his career, he wasn't very consistent with his lines and lengths. But now, his bowling makes him a very difficult bowler to face," Rayudu told JioHotstar. "I don’t think many New Zealand batsmen have played against him much, and he will only continue to improve for India."
Rayudu acknowledged the selection dilemma India faces ahead of the semifinal, with several big players vying for spots. "India will have a tough time deciding, with so many big players to choose from, but Varun Chakravarthy has been brilliant," he said. "We've seen his impact in India, and all the spinners were outstanding today. Jadeja was amazing, and all four spinners bowled exceptionally well."
A Tough Challenge for New Zealand
Rayudu also noted that while the pitch assisted the spinners, New Zealand's batsmen struggled against them, which highlighted an area of weakness that they would need to address. Despite the spin-friendly conditions, the New Zealand batsmen found it tough to play against the Indian bowlers, a challenge that could potentially play into the hands of India in the semifinals.As India prepares for the upcoming clash with Australia, the role of spinners like Varun Chakravarthy could prove crucial in securing a spot in the final.
Key Highlights:
- Varun Chakravarthy took 5 wickets for 42 runs against New Zealand.
- Ravi Shastri and Anil Kumble hailed his impact and urged India to retain the same playing XI.
- Ambati Rayudu praised Chakravarthy for his improvement and adaptability in the middle overs.
- India’s spin-heavy attack could be a major factor in their upcoming semifinal against Australia.
