Varun Chakravarthy Was ‘Nervous’ vs New Zealand In CT 2025, Then Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Stepped In

India is set to face Australia in the first semifinal on Tuesday, while New Zealand takes on South Africa the following day in Lahore. The journey to this stage was filled with standout performances, none more remarkable than Varun Chakravarthy’s spell against New Zealand in India’s last Champions Trophy 2025 group match.

Rohit Sharma’s Masterstroke Selection

The decision to include Varun Chakravarthy in the playing XI was a calculated risk by Rohit Sharma. Speaking at the post-match presentation, the Indian skipper explained why the mystery spinner was picked for such a crucial game.

“He possesses a unique quality, so we were eager to see what he could bring to the table. If he gets it right, he’s very difficult to read,” Rohit stated.

Chakravarthy did not disappoint. He delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 5/42 in 10 overs, completely dismantling the Kiwi batting order. As a result, India secured a 44-run victory, finishing at the top of Group A.

Varun Chakravarthy’s Nervous Start

Although he produced a stellar performance, Chakravarthy admitted feeling nervous before the match. Playing in a high-stakes encounter against a strong team like New Zealand can be daunting. However, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s leadership played a crucial role in boosting his confidence.

“Rohit bhai and Virat bhai encouraged me to believe in myself and bowl with confidence. That gave me the belief to execute my plans,” Chakravarthy shared in an interview after the match.

How Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Helped

The experienced duo of Rohit and Kohli ensured that Chakravarthy felt supported on the field. Here’s how they guided him:

• Rohit Sharma encouraged him after every over, ensuring he stuck to his strengths.
• Virat Kohli, known for his aggressive mindset, maintained high energy levels, motivating Chakravarthy to stay confident.
• They adjusted the field placements strategically to suit his bowling style, minimizing scoring opportunities for the Kiwi batters.

India’s Dominant Bowling Performance

Importantly, Chakravarthy wasn’t the only standout performer with the ball. India’s spinners dominated the match, collectively taking crucial wickets:

• Varun Chakravarthy – 5 wickets
• Kuldeep Yadav – 2 wickets
• Axar Patel – 1 wicket
• Ravindra Jadeja – 1 wicket

This spin-heavy strategy restricted New Zealand, ultimately ensuring India’s successful defense of their total. With this victory, India now looks ahead to an exciting semifinal showdown against Australia.

Conclusion

Clearly, the decision to play Varun Chakravarthy changed the game for India. His nervous start transformed into a match-winning spell, largely due to the support and guidance from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. As India gears up for the semifinals, the team’s strong leadership and tactical brilliance continue to be their greatest strengths. Will Chakravarthy shine once again in the crucial knockout match? Fans eagerly await the answer.

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