After learning that he would be playing against the Blackcaps in Dubai, India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who made his Champions Trophy debut during the team headed by Rohit Sharma’s third league game against New Zealand, admitted that he was anxious. For their last group-stage match prior to the semifinals, India chose to use four spinners instead of Harshit Rana. The choice proved to be extremely effective as India’s ball tweakers successfully defended its 249-run mark by turning New Zealand batters inside out.
Because the ground at Dubai International Stadium is not a rank-turner, Chakaravarthy, who made his ODI debut against England shortly before the Champions Trophy, admitted to feeling anxious before playing against New Zealand. “I was definitely expecting to play for the country but on the other side I was nervous. It was not a rank turner, but if you bowled in the right places it was giving help. The way Kuldeep, Jaddu and Axar bowled, even the pace bowlers, it was a total team effort” said Varun Chakaravarthy after receiving Player of the Match.
Chakaravarthy further disclosed that he was able to bowl well despite his initial nervousness by speaking with Indian superstars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer. “First of all I did feel nervous in the initial stages. I have not played many matches for India in the ODI format but as the game went on I felt better. Virat, Rohit, Shreyas and Hardik were talking to me and that helped” Chakaravarthy added.
Team India is presently leading group A after defeating New Zealand. The Men in Blue will now play Australia in their semifinal match, which is set to take place at the same location. Pakistan’s Lahore will host the other semifinal matchup, which will feature South Africa and New Zealand.
