Shikhar Dhawan Credits Varun Chakravarthy's Inclusion as Masterstroke in Champions Trophy 2025

Even though the team won two games without 'mystery spinner' Varun Chakravarthy, former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has expressed gratitude for his participation in the squad. Chakravarthy, one of the five spinners in India's 15-man team, was left out of the starting lineup for matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh because the Indians opted for a three-spin-two-pace strategy.

However, Chakravarthy made an immediate impression with a Player-of-the-Match fifer after replacing Harshit Rana against New Zealand. Then, in the semi-final match between India and Australia, he took two wickets. Dhawan said, "I really like the shift they made to bring in an extra spinner, Varun Chakravarthy. That has been a game-changer and was a great call by the captain and coaches. He has made India a more balanced side, especially on the slow and turning pitches. It’s very hard to pick the ball from Varun’s hand, and that has given India a real edge. That’s why they have started dominating more."

Shikhar Dhawan gets candid:

With the victory over Australia in the semi-final, Virat Kohli once again displayed his class. Mohammed Shami, who has returned to international cricket following an injury, has also been a crucial player, he said. The fact that the entire team, not just one or two people, is performing effectively, however, has been the most impressive development. Cherished Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, and KL Rahul are all playing fantastic cricket.

He added, "To win the Champions Trophy, you have to have the whole team performing well and coming together. One player can win you a game but not a trophy. The whole team has to step up and perform, which India has done throughout. Everyone is playing his role nicely in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah is the best bowler in the world and it’s amazing to see how India made it to the final without him in such a competitive tournament. Other bowlers have stepped up in his place and the spinners have really dominated. That has given India an extra edge."

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