Prior to India's semi-final encounter with Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy, team captain Rohit Sharma considered the possibility of using four spinners, recognizing it as an enticing prospect.
India's bowling line-up with four spinners had been very successful during the group phase, with wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy being the standout with impressive figures of 5-42, the tournament's best till then.
While four spinners as a concept look appealing, Rohit underlined the need to evaluate the correct mix depending on conditions and the Australian batting order.
Rohit complimented Chakaravarthy's performance, mentioning that the bowler had revealed his potential by claiming five wickets. The captain also emphasized Chakaravarthy's improvement since his 2021 tour with the Indian team, indicating his improved accuracy, variation in pace, and improved grasp of his bowling. Rohit attributed Chakaravarthy's enhanced performance in ODIs to his experience in domestic cricket, the IPL, and T20Is at the international level.
Rohit also clarified why the team decided to add Chakaravarthy to the Champions Trophy squad, stating that the team had given up a batter to accommodate an additional spinner, expecting slow pitches in Dubai. With the additional spin option, Rohit was sure that the team would be able to adjust to the conditions and at the same time have a cover batter like Rishabh Pant in the dugout if required.
Overall, Rohit's comments reflected that India's bowling combination would be thought through carefully, with regard to both the conditions and the opposition's strengths, and also with a nod to the dilemma of having so many strong bowling options at one's disposal.
Read also| Rohit Sharma Rents Out Mumbai Apartment for ₹2.6 Lakh/Month: Square Yards
Read also| Afghanistan is never going to be taken lightly ever again, Says Jonathan Trott
