Varun Chakravarthy's Five-Wicket Haul Powers India to Victory Over New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025

Varun Chakravarthy exorcised his Dubai demons with a sensational five-wicket haul as India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the Champions Trophy 2025. The Indian spinner, who struggled at the same venue during the 2021 T20 World Cup, turned the tables with figures of 5/42, ensuring India's top finish in Group A.

Reflecting on his past struggles, Chakravarthy admitted to feeling "nervous" before his opening spell, recalling his tough outing against Pakistan four years ago. "In 2021, I didn’t have a great tournament here. But today, it feels good. I was a little anxious before my first spell, with emotions running high due to what happened three years ago," he shared in the post-match press conference.

Support from Senior Players Helped Chakravarthy Settle

The 33-year-old, replacing rested Harshit Rana in the playing XI, credited senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya for helping him stay composed. "They kept telling me to calm down, which really helped me refocus," he said.

Once settled, Chakravarthy adapted his bowling strategy to suit the 50-over format, which differs significantly from T20 cricket. His experience in domestic cricket, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, played a crucial role in his success.

"In ODIs, my ball sequencing and over construction are very different from T20s. The Vijay Hazare Trophy helped me understand when to use my variations like incoming, outgoing, or top-spin deliveries," he explained.

DICS Pitch Offered Subtle Spin Assistance

Chakravarthy acknowledged that the DICS pitch had some assistance for spinners but was not a rank turner. "It wasn’t turning sharply, but the surface held up a bit, creating doubt in batters' minds," he said. He also credited his fellow bowlers for creating pressure that allowed him to take wickets.

Patience Key to Success on Slow Wickets

Bowling on slower wickets requires patience, and Chakravarthy emphasized its importance. "You have to wait for the ball to do its work. It’s all about persistence and building pressure," he said.

With this match-winning performance, Chakravarthy not only helped India secure a crucial win but also redeemed himself from past disappointments. His stellar bowling display reinforces India's strength heading into the next stage of the tournament.