Champions Trophy 2025: Varun Chakravarthy's 5-wicket masterclass vs NZ ¡ª fans urge Team India to play him in every match
India bowled out New Zealand for 205 runs in 45.3 overs while defending a target of 249 ¡ª securing a 44-run victory. Varun Chakravarthy's figures of 5 wickets for 42 runs are now the best bowling performance in this year's Champions Trophy.
In the final group stage game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India made one change to their squad ¡ª Harshit Rana was rested, and Varun Chakravarthy was brought in. This change worked wonders for the Indian bowling attack, as the Men in Blue bowled out the Kiwis for 205 runs in 45.3 overs while defending a target of 249 ¡ª securing a 44-run victory.
Varun Chakravarthy leads the charge with the ball as India register a dominant win to remain unbeaten at the #ChampionsTrophy ?#NZvIND ??: https://t.co/F2UBD2cv49 pic.twitter.com/dimjQeDAUz
¡ª ICC (@ICC) March 2, 2025
Though some fans recalled his forgettable 2021 World Cup tour, Varun's stellar performance on March 2 helped him bury the ghosts of that tournament. He claimed a remarkable 5-wicket haul, dismissing Will Young (22 off 35), Glenn Phillips (12 off 8), Michael Bracewell (2 off 3), skipper Mitchell Santner (28 off 31), and Matt Henry (2 off 4). His figures of 5 wickets for 42 runs are now the best bowling performance in this year's Champions Trophy.
A Five Star Performance ??
¡ª BCCI (@BCCI) March 2, 2025
Varun Chakaravarthy with five wickets for the night ?
Updates ?? https://t.co/Ba4AY30p5i#TeamIndia | #NZvIND | #ChampionsTrophy | @chakaravarthy29 pic.twitter.com/CqIuZNNlQt
Fans react
Varun's stunning spell set social media ablaze, with fans flooding X (formerly known as Twitter) and passionately calling for his place in Team India's lineup. One said, "VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY, YOU MYSTERY! #INDvsNZ"
VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY, YOU MYSTERY! #INDvsNZ
¡ª Ana de Armas stan (@abhithecomic) March 2, 2025
Another said, "Varun Chakravarthy must play the next match ¡ª conditions don't matter. #INDvsNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025"
Varun Chakravarthy must play next match whatever the conditions might be. #INDvsNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025
¡ª Jimmy R (@rvggv8) March 2, 2025
One wrote, "Our spinning prince, Varun Chakravarthy!"
Varun Chakravarthy my spinning prince
¡ª lavvvvvvv (@breathronaldo) March 2, 2025
Another added, "Varun freaking Chakravarthy ¡ª the best spinner of this generation for Team India."
Varun freaking chakravarthy ??
¡ª ???????? ? (@Immorta38716404) March 2, 2025
The best spinner of this generation for team India.#varunchakravarthy #INDvsNZ
Teams:
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke
For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
Read More