India captain Rohit Sharma admitted that team selection for the upcoming Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia presents a “good headache” after Varun Chakravarthy’s sensational performance against New Zealand. The mystery spinner, who had patiently waited for his opportunity in the tournament, made an immediate impact in his first game, dismantling the Blackcaps’ middle order with a match-winning spell of 5/42.
Chakravarthy’s performance in India’s final group-stage fixture left New Zealand struggling to counter his variations, particularly his well-disguised googlies. His brilliance helped India successfully defend a 250-run target and secure a convincing 44-run victory, maintaining their unbeaten run in the competition.
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Speaking after the match, Rohit praised the team’s bowling strength and acknowledged that Chakravarthy’s display has added complexity to the selection process. “We have the quality in our bowling to defend that total,” he said. “He has something different about him, so we wanted to try and see what he can offer. We haven’t thought much about the next game, but it’s a good headache to have.”
With a place in the final at stake, India now prepares to take on a formidable Australian side in what promises to be a high-stakes clash. The rivalry between the two teams has intensified in recent years, with Australia having a history of excelling in ICC tournaments. However, Rohit remains focused on his team’s performance rather than the opposition’s track record.
“Critical to possibly win every game and do everything right in a short tournament,” Rohit emphasized. “It is important to correct mistakes quickly, and that’s where we know if our team is going up or going down. It will be a good game.”
Acknowledging Australia’s reputation as a strong ICC tournament team, Rohit reiterated that India’s focus remains on executing their plans effectively. “Australia has a rich history of playing ICC tournaments well, but it is about us and what we want to do well on that particular day. It will be a great contest; I’m looking forward to that. Hopefully, we can stitch one towards us.”
With India aiming for a spot in the final, the team management faces a crucial decision regarding their bowling combination, especially after Chakravarthy’s standout performance. The semifinal against Australia is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a chance to lift the Champions Trophy.
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