Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma Lauds Varun Chakravarthy’s Match-Winning Spell Against Kiwis

March 3, 2025: Ahead of India’s crucial semifinal clash against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Team India skipper Rohit Sharma took a moment to praise mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy for his outstanding performance in the last group stage match against New Zealand. Varun’s match-winning spell, where he claimed five wickets for 42 runs in his 10-over spell, earned him the Player of the Match award and played a pivotal role in India’s dominant victory.

Rohit Sharma, speaking in a pre-match press conference, lauded Varun’s exceptional bowling and highlighted his redemption story. “He just showed what he’s capable of. Now it is up to us to think and see how we can get that combination right,” said Rohit. “Obviously, look, he got a game. He did everything that was asked for. He’s got something different about him. When he gets it right, he knocks people over and takes five-five wickets. It’s a good headache to have,” he added.

Varun’s performance in Dubai was particularly special, as it marked his comeback after a disappointing ICC T20 World Cup 2021 outing at the same venue, where he failed to make an impact. In the 2021 T20 World Cup, he had gone wicketless in three matches, including a memorable loss to Pakistan that ultimately led to India’s early exit. Despite the setback, Varun’s career took a positive turn, with a string of impressive performances in T20Is, including two five-wicket hauls, and now his stunning debut ODI five-wicket haul in the Champions Trophy.

Rohit further praised Varun’s growth, noting that the 33-year-old spinner has become more accurate with time, especially compared to his earlier days with the Indian team in 2021. “He’s become more accurate now. There was a bit of inexperience in him back then, but in the last two or three years, he’s played a lot of cricket. He understands his bowling really well,” said the Indian captain. “His pace variation is superb, and some of our batters couldn’t even figure that out.”

Varun’s five-wicket haul of 5/42 is the second-best debut performance in Champions Trophy history, behind only Australia’s Josh Hazlewood’s 6/52 in 2017. It is also the best debut spell by an Indian bowler in the competition. Furthermore, Varun’s 5/42 is the earliest five-wicket haul by an Indian in his ODI career, surpassing Stuart Binny’s record of 6/4 against Bangladesh in 2014.

Rohit also reflected on watching Varun bowl from the slips, noting that his variation in pace and improved accuracy are signs of his development as a bowler. “When you have a little bit of mystery, you don’t want to be one-dimensional. You need something different, and he’s worked on that. He’s now getting more wickets, which is a good sign for us as a team,” Rohit concluded.

With Varun Chakravarthy in top form, India will be hoping his mystery spin can make a difference against the Australian batting lineup in the semifinal. The team is optimistic, with Rohit confident that the spinner’s improved skills will continue to shine in the high-pressure knockout stage.