‘Don’t think Australia have…’- Former India coach urges India to pick Varun Chakravarthy for CT2025 semi finals

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has suggested the team management to pick Varun Chakravarthy for the semi-final match against Australia. Rohit Sharma and his men will take on Steve Smith’s side in the first semi-finals on Tuesday. Chakravarthy was included in the playing XI for the final league match against New Zealand on Sunday with Harshit Rana being rested. 

The 33-year-old playing in just his second ODI match bowled a marvelous spell to help India win the game. Chakravarthy picked 5/42 from his ten overs to leave the Kiwi batters bamboozled and was given the player of the match for his efforts. Ravi Shastri opined that Australia’s lack of familiarity with Chakravarthy’s bowling could home in handy. 

Ravi Shastri while speaking at the end of the game was quoted by India Today as saying “Varun has put his hand up and delivered. He has put himself in contention for a spot in the XI in the semi-final, It's the right balance for this surface. You still have all the bases covered with the way Hardik is bowling”

The former India coach also added “You have to see who gives you wickets in those middle overs. Varun Chakravarthy becomes crucial. I don't think Australia have seen much of him. And he is a good man to pick, as he was today”

Tough choice to make for Rohit Sharma ahead of key encounter 

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will have to make a huge choice ahead of the huge encounter on Tuesday. Harshit Rana who played the first two games and has picked four wickets so far in the campaign. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has bowled with good control and has already picked a fifer in the tournament. 

Speaking at the end of the game, Varun Chakravarthy said during the post-match presentation “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”

Rohit Sharma though called it a ‘good headache’ ahead of the blockbuster match vs Australia. The 37-year-old said “He (Chakravarthy) has something different about him, so wanted to try and see what he can offer. We haven't thought much about the next game, but good headache to have”