Champions Trophy 2025: As India gears up to face Australia in the semi-final, one of the biggest questions is whether spinner Varun Chakaravarthy will be included in the playing XI. In the previous match against New Zealand, Team India played with four spinners, including Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. Despite Chakaravarthy’s five-wicket haul, his place in the semi-final is not guaranteed.

What Did Rohit Sharma Say About Varun Chakaravarthy?

Indian captain Rohit Sharma addressed the team selection dilemma, stating:

"We really need to think about how we can fit in four spinners if we decide to go with them. I say this because we are well aware of the conditions here. We know what works and what doesn’t."

However, Rohit praised Chakaravarthy’s performance against New Zealand, acknowledging his impact on the game. He emphasized that while the spinner proved his abilities, the team needs to find the right combination for the crucial semi-final.

India’s Spin-Heavy Strategy Against New Zealand

In the match against New Zealand, India’s spinners bowled 37.3 overs collectively:

• Varun Chakaravarthy: 10 overs, 5 wickets
• Axar Patel: 10 overs, 1 wicket
• Kuldeep Yadav: 9.3 overs, 2 wickets
• Ravindra Jadeja: 8 overs, 1 wicket
• Hardik Pandya: 1 wicket

Despite this successful spin strategy, the playing XI for the semi-final remains uncertain. With Australia’s strong batting lineup and different pitch conditions, it will be interesting to see how India balances their bowling attack.

Stay tuned to find out if Varun Chakaravarthy gets a spot in the semi-final clash against Australia!