India has been in top gear in the Champions Trophy 2025, remaining unbeaten in the group stage. Their most recent win was against New Zealand, where they achieved a comprehensive 44-run victory at the Dubai International Stadium while defending a modest 250-run target. The pick of the match was mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who made a big impact in his first match of the tournament.
The 33-year-old bamboozled the Kiwi batsmen with his variations, taking a stunning five-wicket haul. His performance drew widespread acclaim from former cricketers and pundits, including former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi. Taking to social media, Afridi praised Chakravarthy’s spell and India’s balanced team going into the knockout phase.
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Another tremendous victory for India! They have all departments sorted for the conditions with powerful batting and a strong spin attack. Varun Chakravarthy is a great variety bowler with great control and adds more depth to the bowling attack,” Afridi posted on X.
Another great win for India! They have all bases covered for the conditions with potent batting and a formidable spin attack. Varun Chakravarthy has great variety and control and gives further depth to the bowling attack. #ChampionsTrophy https://t.co/2fQUartfK9
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 2, 2025
With their pool-stage domination behind them, India now have a stern task at hand in the semi-final against Australia on March 4 at the Dubai International Stadium. Historically, the Aussies have proved India’s greatest obstacle in ICC knockout contests, so this is a high-voltage match.
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The last ICC knockout win by India against Australia was in the 2011 ODI World Cup quarter-final in Ahmedabad. There, Yuvraj Singh came up with an inspired all-round show, grabbing two key wickets and contributing a match-winning 57 out of 65 balls. His heroics propelled India to the semi-finals and ultimately to win the World Cup.
Can Rohit Sharma’s side overcome the 14-year ICC knockout curse against Australia? The countdown has begun to an exciting fight.
