![Indian team players and Shikhar Dhawan [Source: @ICC, @mufaddal_vohra/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1741503854875_shikhar_dhawan.jpg?type=tq)
Indian team players and Shikhar Dhawan [Source: @ICC, @mufaddal_vohra/x]
Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has offered his insights over the late inclusion of Varun Chakravarthy in India’s 2025 ICC Champions Trophy line-up in the UAE. Dhawan believes that Chakravarthy’s presence has turned out to be a “game-changer” for Team India, and he credited national captain and the coaching staff for bringing in an extra spinner.
An ambassador of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the legendary Indian cricketer also added that India’s spin attack might prove too strong for New Zealand in the impending final.
Shikhar Dhawan offers insights ahead of IND vs NZ Final
While speaking with the ICC, Shikhar Dhawan stated that one of the primary reasons behind India’s success in the ongoing 2025 ICC Champions Trophy can be attributed to the late inclusion of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. A Champions Trophy winner himself, Dhawan added that Chakravarthy has been a ‘game-changer’ for the ‘Men in Blue’. He said:
“India have played great cricket throughout this ICC Men’s Champions Trophy and in my opinion, a key moment came in a change of personnel midway through the competition. I really like the shift they made to bring an extra spinner in, Varun Chakravarthy – that has been a game-changer and was a great call by the captain and coaches.”
Shikhar Dhawan believes that it is very difficult to read Varun Chakravarthy’s release, and his availability has enhanced Team India’s spin attack into becoming a “more balanced side” on slow and turning Dubai surfaces. The legendary Indian opener even claimed that New Zealand might have a tough time facing Chakravarthy in the final.
“He has made India a more balanced side, especially on the slow and turning pitches. It’s very hard to pick the ball from Varun’s hand and that has given India a real edge, that’s why they started dominating more. I believe India’s spinners will be too strong for New Zealand’s batters, who will find it hard to get hold of Varun Chakravarthy – he will play a major role.”
Compatible to Shikhar Dhawan’s claims, Varun Chakravarthy has picked up seven wickets in just two matches for Team India in the ongoing 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Starting off with a match-winning five-fer against New Zealand, he picked two wickets against Australia in the semifinal, which included the prized-scalp of Travis Head.
India will now face New Zealand in the final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9.
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