Champions Trophy: Ashwin Recommends Rohit Open with Chakaravarthy Against Head in Semifinal vs Australia
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Synopsis
Ravichandran Ashwin advises Rohit Sharma to utilize Varun Chakaravarthy against Travis Head in the Champions Trophy semifinal. Ashwin believes this strategy could give India an advantage, especially after Chakaravarthy's stellar performance against New Zealand.
Key Takeaways
- Ravichandran Ashwin suggests using Varun Chakaravarthy against Travis Head.
- Chakaravarthy recently achieved 5 wickets in a match against New Zealand.
- Head was pivotal in Australia's World Cup victory over India.
- Ashwin emphasizes India should bat first if they win the toss.
- India's spin attack is seen as a significant advantage.
New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) Former Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin has proposed a strategy to confront Travis Head in the upcoming Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia. He recommends that captain Rohit Sharma hand the new ball to enigmatic spinner Varun Chakaravarthy and instruct him to bowl over the stumps to the left-handed Aussie batsman.
Chakaravarthy delivered a stellar performance in India's last group match against New Zealand on Sunday, where he notched up five wickets, including those of opener Will Young and all-rounder Glenn Phillips, finishing with remarkable figures of 5-42 in just his second ODI appearance. His efforts helped bowl the Black Caps out for 205 in their chase of 250.
“Start with the new ball and let Varun bowl over the stumps to Travis Head,” Ashwin mentioned on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat'. “Head shows all three stumps, and then he clears his leg to hit over the field. Varun Chakravarthy with the new ball could give India an advantage. It will be a thrilling contest,” he added.
Head was instrumental for Australia in their victorious 2023 World Cup final against India, scoring a magnificent 137 off 120 balls, leading his team to chase down a target of 241 with seven overs remaining, thus ending India’s 10-match winning streak in the tournament.
“I would be astonished if Travis Head opts for a defensive approach against Varun. He is likely to play aggressively, which is a high-risk strategy. Either he gives Australia a solid start or India dismisses him cheaply.
“If Travis Head doesn’t take him on, keep Varun on for five overs. This Australian squad has numerous right-handers, which is why we have Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. If I were in India’s shoes, I wouldn’t be concerned about this bowling lineup,” Ashwin remarked.
The semifinal match between India and Australia in Dubai will serve as a rematch of the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final, determining who advances to the Champions Trophy title match set for March 9. While Australia has secured only one win from three group matches (with two abandoned due to rain), India enters the match with three consecutive victories in the group stage.
Ashwin further recommends that India should win the toss and opt to have the Australians bat first, asserting that if India bats first, they will achieve a score above par.
“Win the toss, and ask them to bat. Provide them the responsibility to set the total. If we dismiss Travis Head, it will give India control of the game. If India bats first, I am confident they will score above par unless Spencer Johnson bowls a fiery opening spell.
“India will enter the game as favorites with this spin advantage, but Australia will have nothing to lose,” concluded the former spinner.
