Champions Trophy: Kumble Praises Chakaravarthy's Remarkable Performance
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Anil Kumble praises Varun Chakaravarthy for his impressive 5-42 performance against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy, highlighting his match-winning abilities over the past 1.5 years. This performance is seen as encouraging for India's campaign led by Rohit Sharma.
Key Takeaways
- Anil Kumble praises Varun Chakaravarthy's performance.
- Chakaravarthy achieved 5-42 against New Zealand.
- Instrumental in securing victories for various teams.
- Potential challenge for Australia in the semi-finals.
- Strong spin attack could influence upcoming matches.
Dubai, March 3 (NationPress) Renowned leg-spinner Anil Kumble has commended the remarkable Varun Chakaravarthy for his outstanding performance of 5-42 in India's 44-run victory over New Zealand during the ICC Champions Trophy. He noted that the wrist-spinner has been pivotal in securing wins for the teams he has represented over the past 1.5 years, and his recent performance is very promising for the squad led by Rohit Sharma.
At the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, Chakaravarthy recorded the best bowling statistics in the ongoing tournament, achieving 5-42 in just his second One Day International (ODI) match, effectively outsmarting New Zealand and ensuring India finishes as the top team in Group A.
Initially, Chakaravarthy was a late addition to India's Champions Trophy roster, stepping in for left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, which led to speculation about whether the team had an excess of spinners for Dubai's slower pitches. However, he and the Indian team proved the decision to include him was beneficial.
"I believe Varun has been exceptional over the last 1-1.5 years, consistently contributing to victories for every team he has played with, whether it’s Tamil Nadu, KKR, or the Indian T20 side. Now, he has the chance in ODIs, since India had already qualified," Kumble stated.
"Considering the pitch and conditions, this is a positive sign for the semi-final and hopefully for the final as well," Kumble added in his remarks to ESPNcricinfo on Monday.
The Chennai-born Chakaravarthy first bowled out Will Young, then returned in the later middle overs to take out Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell in consecutive deliveries. He followed this by dismissing Mitchell Santner and took Matt Henry out on the very next delivery, completing his stunning five-wicket haul.
Chakaravarthy may have another opportunity to showcase his skills as India prepares to face Australia in the first Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday. Kumble believes that Australia will face significant challenges if India opts to deploy four spinners in this crucial match.
“If this is the type of pitch India continues to play on in Dubai, then this four-pronged spin attack would present a serious challenge for any team. Australia would struggle immensely to handle these four spinners," he concluded.
