Ashwin Lauds Rohit & Gambhir for Bold Selection in Champions Trophy 2025
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped praise on captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir for their strategic decision to include Varun Chakravarthy in the playing XI against New Zealand in their crucial final group-stage match of the Champions Trophy 2025 on March 2. Ashwin believes this decision played a key role in India’s 44-run victory, providing the team with much-needed confidence ahead of their semi-final clash against Australia on March 4.
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A Tactical Masterstroke by Rohit and Gambhir
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin commended India’s leadership duo for accurately assessing the Dubai pitch conditions and making the bold move to select Chakravarthy over Harshit Rana, a decision that initially raised a few eyebrows.
Chakravarthy, known for his mystery spin, repaid the faith shown in him by delivering a match-winning performance, claiming a stunning five-wicket haul that completely dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup. His exceptional spell ensured that India not only defended their total comfortably but also sent a strong message to their upcoming opponents in the tournament.
Ashwin highlighted how Rohit and Gambhir’s deep understanding of the conditions allowed them to outthink their opponents. “Reading the pitch correctly is an art, and India’s think tank deserves immense credit for backing Chakravarthy. While some questioned the decision initially, the move turned out to be a masterstroke as he completely bamboozled the New Zealand batters,” Ashwin remarked.
Chakravarthy’s Impactful Spell: The Turning Point in India’s Victory
The match against New Zealand proved to be a watershed moment for Varun Chakravarthy in international cricket. His spell of 5/28 not only won him the Player of the Match award but also cemented his place as India’s trump card for the remainder of the tournament.
Ashwin elaborated on how New Zealand’s key batters struggled against Chakravarthy’s variations. He particularly pointed out how Daryl Mitchell, one of New Zealand’s most consistent middle-order players, was rendered completely ineffective by the Indian spinner.
“The scouting and analysis for Chakravarthy against Daryl Mitchell were exceptional. Mitchell had no answers to Chakravarthy’s deliveries—he was unable to step out, misjudged the turn, and was forced to stay rooted to the crease. India’s strategy was executed brilliantly, especially with the field placements that blocked Mitchell’s natural game of playing sweeps and reverse sweeps,” Ashwin explained.
New Zealand, who had banked on their experienced middle order to chase down India’s total, found themselves in deep trouble once Chakravarthy was introduced into the attack. His variations, combined with his incredible control over length and pace, proved too difficult to read.
Chakravarthy’s Selection: A Calculated Risk, Not a Gamble
Despite being a late addition to India’s Champions Trophy squad, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal, Chakravarthy proved his worth in his very first match of the tournament. Many considered his inclusion a gamble due to his limited ODI experience, but Ashwin dismissed such notions, stating that his ability to deceive batters is what makes him such an asset in high-pressure situations.
“I don’t see playing Varun as a gamble. The opposition simply cannot read him. He’s not beating batters solely by spinning the ball past the outside edge, yet they struggle to pick him. The number of revolutions he generates on the ball causes a sharp dip, making his deliveries almost impossible to predict,” Ashwin observed.
What sets Chakravarthy apart, according to Ashwin, is his ability to control the pace of his deliveries while still generating deceptive dip. “He doesn’t bowl at 89 kph like a conventional off-spinner—his speeds vary in the high 90s, which makes his deliveries even more challenging to read. That level of control and variation is extraordinary,” Ashwin added.
India’s Masterful Planning and Chakravarthy’s Role Against Australia
With India set to face Australia in the semi-final on March 4, Ashwin believes that Chakravarthy’s unpredictability could be a game-changer. Australia’s batting lineup, known for its aggressive intent, will have to come up with a clear plan to counter the mystery spinner.
However, Ashwin pointed out that the Dubai pitch has been highly favorable to spinners, making Chakravarthy an even bigger threat against the Aussies. “Australia will surely study his bowling patterns, but the key question remains—can they pick his variations in real-time? That’s where his true strength lies. He’s deceptive, and when the pressure of a semi-final kicks in, playing him becomes even more challenging,” Ashwin stated.
India will likely strategize in a manner similar to their approach against New Zealand—using sharp field placements, restricting sweeps, and forcing Australian batters to play against their natural instincts.
“India must back him in the semi-final. His style of bowling is perfect for conditions like Dubai, and if he gets an early breakthrough, it could completely disrupt Australia’s momentum,” Ashwin said.
Chakravarthy’s Rise: From T20 Star to India’s Trump Card in ODIs
Varun Chakravarthy’s journey to the Indian ODI squad has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially making a name for himself in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he was often considered a T20 specialist. However, his performances in recent T20I matches for India showcased his ability to excel under pressure, leading to his surprise inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad.
While his experience in 50-over cricket is limited, his impact in the shorter formats has proven that he can thrive in different match situations. His biggest strengths lie in:
• Variation in spin: His ability to bowl leg-spin, off-spin, and carrom balls makes him highly unpredictable.
• Pace control: Unlike conventional spinners, he adjusts his speeds effectively, keeping batters guessing.
• Deception: His biggest weapon is that even though batters know he’s a mystery spinner, they still struggle to pick him.
India’s Bowling Attack Looks Stronger Than Ever
With Chakravarthy delivering a standout performance, India’s bowling attack now looks more balanced and dangerous heading into the knockout stage. Alongside him, bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja provide a well-rounded attack that can trouble any opposition.
Ashwin highlighted how having a player like Chakravarthy in the squad gives India a different dimension, allowing them to attack in the middle overs rather than just contain runs.
“The presence of someone like Varun means India can go for wickets even in the middle phase of the innings, rather than just waiting for the death overs. His variations ensure that batters can’t settle, which is a massive advantage,” Ashwin noted.
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Conclusion: India’s X-Factor for the Knockouts
As India prepares for their high-stakes semi-final clash against Australia, Varun Chakravarthy’s form and unpredictability could be the key to securing a spot in the final.
Ashwin’s praise for Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir’s strategic move highlights the level of planning and execution that India has brought into the Champions Trophy 2025. If Chakravarthy can continue his match-winning performances, India could have found their X-factor for the title run.
With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on Chakravarthy as he prepares to challenge the mighty Australian batting lineup in the semi-final. Will his mystery spin once again turn the game in India’s favor? Fans eagerly await the answer.
