'Head-ache gone!' Varun Chakravarthy¡¯s powerplay magic dismisses Travis Head in Champions Trophy semi-final clash

This is what fans had been praying for ever since it was confirmed that India would face Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final ¡ª the wicket of Travis Head! The Aussie batter enjoyed an early reprieve when Mohammed Shami dropped a chance in the first over in Dubai on Tuesday (February 4).

The opening batter quickly adjusted to the pitch and began attacking the Indian bowlers. However, when Varun Chakravarthy was introduced, he worked his magic, striking on just his second ball.

Travis Head dismissed

The Indian fans in the crowd erupted with joy. They knew how dangerous Head could be, having tormented India in the past - especially in the final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 which was held in India. Despite a promising start, his knock came to an end.

Chakravarthy tossed one up, full on off and middle, and Head stepped forward for a lofted shot but mistimed it toward long-off. Shubman Gill sprinted forward and took a clean catch. It was a crucial breakthrough, and India breathed a sigh of relief as Head walked back after scoring 39 off 33 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

The Big One ?

Varun Chakaravarthy gets the wicket of Travis Head! ? ?

Shubman Gill with a brilliant running catch ??

Updates ?? https://t.co/HYAJl7biEo#TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | #ChampionsTrophy | @chakaravarthy29 | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/5oJERL9b6S

¡ª BCCI (@BCCI) March 4, 2025

Fans react

As soon as the wicket fell, fans couldn't help but revive the familiar wordplay ¡ª the "Head-ache" for India was finally gone. Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share their excitement.

One fan wrote, "How ICT fans felt after Travis Head's wicket. Big relief from the HEADache"

How ICT fans felt after Travis Head's wicket.

Big relief from the HEADache ?#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/WmGrmbKovN

¡ª PRASHANTH.CB (@Prash_cb69) March 4, 2025

Another simply said, "Headache gone!"

Varun Chakravarthy gets the big wicket of Travis Head and he goes for 39(33)?

- Headache is Gone ??#VarunChakravarthy #TravisHead #INDvsAUS #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/2OQBHdmluJ

¡ª Asma bano (@Asmabano317344) March 4, 2025

One post read, "PERFECTION! Varun Chakravarthy = HEADACHE REMOVER FOR INDIA!"

PERFECTION
Varun Chakravarthy = HEADACHE REMOVER FOR INDIA!

* 1 ball, Travis Head GONE
* Australia's biggest threat = NEUTRALIZED
Is Chakravarthy India's new HEADACHE specialist for opponents?! ? #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/t9q06vOkPi

¡ª Sonu Yadav (@SonuYadav02S) March 4, 2025

Another added, "India's biggest headache TRAVIS HEAD finally gone.!! Well done Varun Chakaravarthy"

India's biggest headache TRAVIS HEAD finally gone.!!?
Well done Varun Chakaravarthy ?

¡ª Nidhi Srivastava (@NidhiSriva86752) March 4, 2025

Teams:

Australia (Playing XI): Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha

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

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