Dubai, March 3: As India prepares for its highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia, captain Rohit Sharma has admitted that the idea of playing four spinners is tempting. However, he emphasized the importance of striking the right bowling combination to maximize the team's performance.
As per agency report, India fielded four spinners in their last group-stage match at the Dubai International Stadium, where they secured a convincing win over New Zealand. The spin attack collectively took nine wickets, with Varun Chakravarthy emerging as the standout performer, claiming 5 wickets for 42 runs—marking the best bowling figures of the tournament so far. This dominant performance helped India top Group A.
Rohit acknowledged the effectiveness of the spin-heavy strategy but maintained that balance is crucial. He stated that the team would carefully analyze conditions before making a final decision. The captain stressed that while the four-spinner combination remains an attractive option, the team would assess the pitch and determine the most effective bowling lineup accordingly.
When asked about Chakravarthy’s chances of featuring in the semifinal, Rohit praised the mystery spinner's remarkable comeback. He noted that Chakravarthy demonstrated his capabilities with his match-winning spell and that the team management would now focus on ensuring the right balance for the knockout stage. While assessing the opposition remains key, he admitted that the team selection dilemma is a "good headache to have."
Chakravarthy’s resurgence in Dubai is particularly noteworthy, given that his previous outing at the same venue during the 2021 T20 World Cup had been disappointing, as he failed to claim a single wicket. However, in 2025, he has displayed significantly improved accuracy, reflecting the experience gained from playing across different formats.
Rohit highlighted the significant improvements in Chakravarthy’s bowling since 2021, attributing it to his extensive experience in domestic cricket, the IPL, and now international ODIs. He pointed out that Chakravarthy has refined his accuracy and variations, making him a formidable asset. The Indian skipper also observed that even some of their own batsmen struggled to pick his deliveries in the nets, which is an encouraging sign for the team.
Discussing the decision to include Chakravarthy in the main squad on February 12, Rohit revealed that the management opted to add an extra spinner by reducing a batting option. Given the tournament’s short format of just five matches, the chances of utilizing an additional batsman were minimal, whereas a specialist bowler like Chakravarthy was deemed a more valuable asset.
Rohit explained that the slow nature of pitches in Dubai played a crucial role in the decision-making process. Recent matches in the ILT20 tournament had suggested that slower bowlers would be more effective, reinforcing the need for an additional spinner. While India has backup batting options, including Rishabh Pant, the tactical decision to strengthen the spin department has already proven successful.
With Australia’s batting lineup under scrutiny, India's final playing XI for the semifinal will depend on how the team strategizes against their opponents. The next 24 hours will be crucial in determining whether India sticks with the winning formula or adjusts its approach for the high-stakes clash.
