Champions Trophy: Paranjape Calls India vs Australia Semis a 'Final Before the Final'
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Jatin Paranjape, a former cricketer, views the India vs Australia semifinal as a crucial match before the finals. He believes India holds the advantage, especially with Pat Cummins missing, as they aim for a spot in the Champions Trophy title match on March 9.
Key Takeaways
- Paranjape sees the match as a major showdown.
- India has momentum with three consecutive wins.
- Pat Cummins' absence is significant for Australia.
- Chakaravarthy's bowling is a key factor for India.
- Both teams have two Champions Trophy titles each.
New Delhi, March 3 (NationPress) Jatin Paranjape, the former India cricketer and national selector, asserts that Tuesday's semifinal against Australia represents a final before the final, where he believes the Rohit Sharma-led squad holds the advantage. This India versus Australia semifinal in Dubai is a rematch of the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final, vying for a spot in the Champions Trophy title match set for March 9. While Australia has only secured one victory from three group matches—two of which were abandoned due to rain—India enters the match with three straight wins in the group stage.
“I view tomorrow's match against Australia as the final before the final. It promises to be a tightly contested affair, but I am confident that India has the edge, especially with Pat Cummins absent. Steve Smith is undoubtedly a capable captain, but it is Cummins' exceptional bowling and knack for dismissing batsmen that Australia will notably miss,”
Paranjape, a member of the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee and co-founder of KheloMore, told IANS on Monday.
Both India and Australia are the most successful teams in Champions Trophy history, each boasting two titles. If Australia wins, the final will take place in Lahore; conversely, if India triumphs, Dubai will host the title clash.
India faces a selection challenge regarding the retention of wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who took 5-42 in the 44-run victory against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. Paranjape believes India should maintain their four-spinner strategy and expressed admiration for Chakaravarthy’s ability to perplex the Blackcaps batters on the slow pitches of Dubai.
“Varun Chakravarthy is on fire and seems practically unplayable. Each delivery is a precisely crafted dart that hits the mark! While Maxwell has faced him before, he proved to be a real challenge for Carey and Inglis. I expect India to proceed with four spinners once again,” he concluded.
