Champions Trophy Semifinal: IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma Hints at Team Combination, Considers This Strategy

Varun Chakravarthy’s stellar performance against New Zealand makes the four-spinner strategy an enticing option as India prepares for the high-stakes semifinal against Australia.

March 4, 2025: India’s Likely Playing XI for Semifinal vs Australia: Rohit Sharma Weighs Spin-Heavy Attack

As India gears up to face Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal, captain Rohit Sharma has hinted at a possible spin-heavy strategy after Varun Chakravarthy’s match-winning 5/42 against New Zealand. While Rohit did not confirm sticking to the four-spinner template, he acknowledged that Chakravarthy’s impact has made the option “very tempting.”

Also Read: India vs Australia: A High-Stakes Showdown for Champions Trophy Final Spot

India’s previous game saw Rohit Sharma & Co. dominate New Zealand with a four-spinner attack, including Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, who collectively claimed nine wickets in a crucial 44-run victory.

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Key Highlights from Rohit Sharma’s Pre-Match Press Conference

🔹 On Playing Four Spinners:
“We really need to think if we can squeeze four spinners into the XI. We know what works in these conditions, so it’s definitely tempting,” Rohit said.

Also Read: Champions Trophy: “In Pakistan, India Would’ve…”: Sourav Ganguly on CT Venue Row

🔹 Chakravarthy’s Selection & Performance:

• “He just showed what he is capable of. He has something different, and when he gets it right, he takes five-fors. It’s a great headache for us.”
• Rohit praised Chakravarthy’s improved accuracy and pace variations, calling him a “much more polished bowler” than in 2021.

🔹 Middle-Order Resilience:

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• Rohit credited Shreyas Iyer (79), Hardik Pandya (45), and Axar Patel (42) for India’s fightback after losing early wickets against New Zealand.
• “It’s great to see the middle order step up when needed, which is crucial in knockout games.”

🔹 Axar Patel’s Rise as a No. 5 Batter:

• Rohit revealed that Axar was given a clear role to bat at No. 5 ahead of KL Rahul.
• “His improvement with the bat has been superb, and he showed his worth in the T20 World Cup final as well.”

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India’s Likely Playing XI vs Australia

📌 Rohit Sharma (C)
📌 Shubman Gill
📌 Virat Kohli
📌 Shreyas Iyer
📌 KL Rahul / Axar Patel (depending on combination)
📌 Hardik Pandya
📌 Ravindra Jadeja
📌 Kuldeep Yadav
📌 Varun Chakravarthy
📌 Mohammed Shami / Harshit Rana
📌 Arshdeep Singh

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What to Expect?

📍 India may opt for four spinners if the conditions favor turn.
📍 Chakravarthy is likely to retain his spot after his sensational spell.
📍 A strong middle-order showing will be key to counter Australia’s attack.

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#INDvsAUS, #ChampionsTrophy2025, #RohitSharma, #VarunChakravarthy, #Cricket, #IndianCricket, #SpinAttack, #TeamIndia, #AUSvIND,