When the Indian team was selected for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, their spin attack quickly became the talk of the town. The squad includes five spinners: Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy.
Captain Rohit Sharma faced bouncers of questions regarding their inclusion, to which he responded by clarifying that they have two spinners and three all-rounders, not viewing them purely as five spinners. Rohit also pointed out that Jadeja, Axar, and Sundar add depth to the batting lineup.
Rohit's strategy seems to be proving successful as Team India played against New Zealand (league match) and Australia (semifinal) employing two spinners and two spin all-rounders.
Against New Zealand, Varun Chakravarthy's five-wicket haul demonstrated the right decision made by Rohit's brigade and team management. The spin quartet—Jadeja, Axar, Varun, and Kuldeep—shone on Dubai's pitch. Varun dismissed Travis Head at a crucial 39 runs in the semifinal.
Against New Zealand, India began with Varun Chakravarthy while Harshit Rana sat out. India posted a first innings score of 249/9, and New Zealand were all out for 205 runs. Player of the Match Varun Chakravarthy took five wickets, sealing India's victory.
The Indian team made no changes for the semifinal against Australia, which was identical to the lineup against New Zealand. Australia, aiming to emulate India's strategy, introduced Cooper Connolly and leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha but the tactic failed. Sangha bowled six overs for 41 runs, taking no wickets.
Overall, fans hope that the quartet's magic will continue to work wonders in the Champions Trophy final on March 9th, leading India to triumph over New Zealand.
Source: aajtak
Performance of the Indian Quartet in the Champions Trophy
Axar Patel:
Axar Patel was promoted in the batting order since the tournament's inception, coming in at number five before KL Rahul. Although he scored eight runs against Bangladesh in the first match, he claimed two wickets with the ball. Against Pakistan, Axar took one wicket and returned unbeaten on three runs. In the clash with New Zealand, Axar delivered a crucial 42-run innings and captured Kane Williamson's wicket. Against Australia, Axar dismissed Glenn Maxwell and contributed 27 runs in the chase.
Ravindra Jadeja:
Although given fewer opportunities with the bat, Ravindra Jadeja capitalized on his bowling chances, restricting opposition batsmen effectively. Across four matches, he bowled 32.0 overs with an average of 38.25 and an economy of 4.78, claiming four wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav:
Kuldeep Yadav's lethal spell against Pakistan earned him three wickets for 40 runs, dismissing Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah. Over four matches, Kuldeep bowled 36.3 overs, taking five wickets at an average of 36.60, conceding 183 runs.
Varun Chakravarthy:
Though still emerging, the 33-year-old Varun Chakravarthy's stellar performance in the match against New Zealand suggests his spin will dominate for years to come. Previously known as a 'mystery bowler,' he justified the moniker in that match. Varun's crucial wicket of Travis Head against Australia relieved Team India's biggest concern. Over two matches, Varun took seven wickets in 20 overs, conceding 91 runs.
