India’s captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that the team’s selection of the semi-final clash with ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Australia is based on a matchup strategy as they are trying to maximize its advantages in Dubai’s spin-friendly terms.
India’s outstanding performance in its recent victory over New Zealand has given the selector a new dilemma.
Chakravarthy’s groundbreaking performance
The 33-year-old Chakravalcy surprised New Zealand with a 5/42 number in the 10th overs, making an immediate impact on his first appearance in the tournament. He replaced Harshit Rana with India leaning further on a spin-heavy approach, bowling with 37 slow bowlers out of 45.3 overs.
His performance brings him difficult omissions in knockout matches. Dubai’s pitch in particular has consistently favored spin throughout the tournament.
“We just wanted to try out what (Chakravarthy) could offer,” Rohit said after the match. “He has something different about him. There’s no doubt about it. It’s very difficult to read him once he gets it right. You have to think about what you want to do in the next game, but obviously, that’s a good headache.”
India’s confidence comes ahead of the semi-finals
India entered the semi-finals unbeaten and won all three group stage games with a dominant bowling attack. Rohit emphasized the importance of bringing this momentum to the next stage.
“(New Zealand) has been playing really good cricket lately, so it was important to get that outcome,” he said. “We’re confident in protecting the totals in bowling, and the bowlers really stepped up.”
Rabbi Shastri praised Chakravalsi’s performance, among other things, and many viewed this as a potential headache for India before the semi-finals in that they would play XI.
Australia is waiting with high stakes knockout
India’s next challenge is the familiar one. Australia is a team with a history of thriving with knockouts of the ICC tournament.
“There is no self-satisfaction from us,” Rohit was convinced. “Australia has a rich history with ICC tournaments. It’s about what we want to do with them and what we want to do with them and what we want to do with our plans correctly. It’s going to be a great contest.”
Due to Dubai’s conditions in favor of Indian spinners, Australia will need to adapt quickly as they try to overcome one of the tournament’s most dominant teams in a high-pressure semi-final showdown.