Follow UsFormer India opener Shikhar Dhawan hailed the move to include Varun Chakaravarthy in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad as a masterstroke. Varun was initially not in the plans, but India made the call at the last minute to include an extra spinner instead of a batter.
Safe to say, it has paid off for Varun, as he has picked up seven wickets in just two matches, including a fifer against their opponents in the final, New Zealand.
"India have played great cricket throughout this ICC Men’s Champions Trophy and in my opinion, a key moment came in a change of personnel midway through the competition," Dhawan said, according to a media release from ICC.
"I really like the shift they made to bring an extra spinner in, Varun Chakravarthy – that has been a game-changer and was a great call by the captain and coaches.
"He has made India a more balanced side, especially on the slow and turning pitches. It’s very hard to pick the ball from Varun’s hand and that has given India a real edge, that’s why they started dominating more."
He also lauded how every player has chipped in to ensure India make it to yet another ICC final, ensuring they did not miss the services of Jasprit Bumrah.
"To win the Champions Trophy, you have to have the whole team performing well and coming together. One player can win you a game but not a trophy, the whole team has to step up and perform, which India have done throughout," Dhawan, who won the Player of the Tournament in 2013, said.
"Everyone is carrying out their role nicely, as they had to in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah is the best bowler in the world and it’s amazing to see how India have reached a final without him in such a competitive tournament. Others have stepped up in his place and the spinners have really dominated. That has given India an extra edge."
Dhawan also spoke highly of New Zealand, especially Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, who are certainly going to be a huge threat for India in the final.
"The final should be a fantastic match as New Zealand are also a great team. Their own spinners have excelled, and one of them, captain Mitchell Santer, has been a great player for many years," Dhawan said.
"He always chips in with bat and ball, and the way he varies his pace makes him a very intelligent cricketer. With the bat, Kane Williamson - who I have played alongside in the past - remains a great cricketer. His technique is amazing, as is his adaptability on the pitch and the way he soaks up pressure. That’s why his consistency is so good.
"He plays close to his body, he takes his time and scores big runs. We have to watch out for him and make sure we get him out early – while Rachin Ravindra is another big wicket.
"Scoring two centuries in one tournament is a big thing and to come in and score that heavily shows tremendous belief as well as skill and mental strength. It takes all those qualities to perform at the international level."
However, Dhawan has backed India to clinch the title, given they have the Varun factor. "Personally, I think India will win. I believe India’s spinners will be too strong for New Zealand’s batters, who will find it hard to get hold of Varun Chakravarthy - he will play a major role," the 39-year-old said.
"Our batting unit is doing very well, the whole team is playing good cricket and I think – and hope – that will continue."
India last won the Champions Trophy in 2013, while they finished runners-up to Pakistan in 2017. On the other hand, New Zealand's only title win came way back in 2000, when the incidentally beat India in the final in Nairobi.