Champions Trophy: Rayudu Indicates Chakaravarthy's Performance May Lead to Selection Challenges

Synopsis

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu highlights Varun Chakaravarthy's remarkable performance in the Champions Trophy, raising concerns for team selection as they prepare for the semifinals against Australia. His bowling skills and impact on the game have left management with tough decisions ahead.

Key Takeaways

Chakaravarthy's 5-42 leads to selection dilemma.
India's spinners excelled against New Zealand.
Shreyas Iyer's 79 was crucial for India's success.
Need for New Zealand to improve against spin.
Importance of a solid No. 4 batter in ODIs.

Dubai, March 3 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu asserts that Varun Chakaravarthy’s impressive 5-42 during the 44-run victory against New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy has presented a significant selection challenge for the management as they prepare for the semifinal showdown against Australia.

Chakaravarthy, who replaced Harshit Rana in India’s lineup for their final Group A match, dazzled with his variations, securing a five-wicket haul in just his second ODI and propelling India to the pinnacle of their group’s points table.

“Varun was exceptional. In the initial phase of his career, he struggled with consistency in his lines and lengths. However, his current bowling style makes him a challenging bowler to face. His delivery action gives the illusion of left-arm spin, yet 90% of his deliveries are googlies, posing difficulties for batsmen unfamiliar with him,” Rayudu commented.

“I doubt many New Zealand batsmen have faced him frequently, and he’s likely to continue improving for India. His standout performance may have introduced a selection headache ahead of the semifinals. India will face a tough decision with numerous star players in contention, but Varun Chakaravarthy has been phenomenal,” Rayudu stated during an interview on JioHotstar.

He also commended India’s other spinners for their wicket-taking abilities and noted that New Zealand must enhance their performance against spin before their semifinal encounter against South Africa this Wednesday in Lahore.

“We’ve witnessed his (Chakaravarthy's) impact in India, and all the spinners performed excellently — Jadeja was outstanding, and all four spinners bowled superbly. The pitch certainly aided them, but New Zealand’s batsmen struggled against spin, which is an area they need to work on,” he added.

Rayudu also lauded Shreyas Iyer, who salvaged India from a top-order collapse with a commendable 79, emphasizing the critical role of a reliable number four batsman in the lineup.

“The significance of a No. 4 batsman is clear here. It’s essential to have someone capable of delivering crucial innings when the top order falters, especially on challenging pitches that are tough to bat on. This is where Nos. 4 and 5 become pivotal in an ODI match.

“Shreyas played a remarkable innings, and his partnership with Axar Patel was vital. The way he batted on this pitch was impressive. He managed short balls adeptly until he got out and played spin beautifully, using the crease and angles effectively.

“He assessed the pace of the ball significantly better than many others in the Indian lineup. It was an extraordinary performance, and he has been a standout at No. 4. We often overlook him, but he has made a substantial impact on this Indian team,” he concluded.