Varun Chakaravarthy credits senior players after five-wicket haul

Varun Chakaravarthy delivered a match-winning performance in India’s 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final group-stage game of the ICC Champions Trophy. The mystery-spinner picked up his maiden five-wicket haul in an ODI, dismantling New Zealand’s middle and lower order to ensure India finished the group stage unbeaten.

Despite his impressive performance, Chakaravarthy admitted he felt nervous ahead of his Champions Trophy debut. Given that he had not played many ODIs, the pressure of performing on a big stage was high. However, he credited senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Hardik Pandya for helping him manage his nerves and settle into the game.

"I did feel nervous in the initial stages. I have not played many ODIs, but as the game went on, I felt better. Virat, Rohit, Shreyas, and Hardik were constantly talking to me, which helped," Chakaravarthy said at the post-match presentation after winning the Player of the Match award.

The 33-year-old bowler revealed that he was informed about his selection only the night before the match. While he expected to play, the uncertainty of conditions made him slightly anxious. However, he quickly adapted and made full use of the pitch, which offered some assistance to spinners who hit the right lengths.

Chakaravarthy’s five-wicket haul included key dismissals of Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry. He also praised India’s other spinners—Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel—for their disciplined bowling, which kept New Zealand under pressure.

"It wasn’t a rank turner, but if you bowled in the right areas, there was help. The way Kuldeep, Jaddu, and Axar bowled, along with our pacers, it was a total team effort," he added.

India set for semi-final clash against Australia

With this win, India topped Group A after winning all three of their matches. Their unbeaten run in the tournament means they will now face Australia in the semi-finals, while New Zealand will take on South Africa.

India remains the only team yet to lose a game in the tournament and will be aiming to continue their dominant run to secure their third ICC Champions Trophy title.

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