Travis Head pinned as India's biggest villain; Sanjay Manjrekar begs Rohit Sharma to get rid of him

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Travis Head’s wicket will be the key moment in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal between India and Australia. Sanjay Manjrekar said that India must dismiss Travis Head early to avoid a repeat of the ODI World Cup 2023 final, where he smashed a century.

India are set to face Australia in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, March 4. India secured the top spot in Group A, while Australia finished second in Group B. The Men in Blue will start as favorites considering the spin-friendly conditions in Dubai.

Somebody Get Travis Head Out - Sanjay Manjrekar

Australia are missing several key players, including their pace bowling trio. However, Sanjay Manjrekar said that opener Travis Head is the biggest threat to India. Manjrekar stated that getting Head out quickly could be the defining moment of the game for India.

"Somebody get Travis Head out, whoever that is. He is one guy that India will really want back in the dressing room very quickly. That is going to be the moment for me. Travis Head," Majrekar told ESPNCricinfo.

Head played a crucial role in Australia's victory over India in the World Cup final. He smashed a match-winning century in front of a jam-packed stadium. Head also hit a century against India in the World Test Championship final. He smashed a quick half-century against Afghanistan in the last game.

It's Going to Be the Middle Phase - Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar said that India should control the middle phase in their semifinal clash. He highlighted that Glenn Maxwell can make an impact against the Indian spinners on a tricky pitch. He picked the battle between Maxwell and India's spin attack as a key moment in the match.

"I think it's going to be the middle phase. I think with Maxwell and Kuldeep Yadav or a spinner - Varun Chakravarthy. That would be the biggest thing," Manjrekar said.

India opted for a spin-heavy attack in their final Group A match against New Zealand in Dubai. Varun Chakravarthy, who replaced pacer Harshit Rana, delivered an impressive performance with figures of 5-42.

Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets, while Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja took one each. With their spinners leading from the front, Team India secured their third consecutive win in the group stage. They are likely to include both Kuldeep and Chakravarthy in the semifinal lineup given the conditions.

Travis Head Has Stood Up in Many of Those in the Past - Steve Smith

Ahead of the crucial semifinal, Australia captain Steve Smith recalled Travis Head’s match-winning century in the ODI World Cup final. Smith said that Head has the ability to perform in high-stakes matches.

"I mean, there's pressure every time you play in a big game," Smith told reporters.

"But, as we know, Travis has stood up in many of those in the past. And, you know, he looked in great touch the other night against Afghanistan. I'm sure he's going to be looking to come out here and play the same way he's played for a long time, with good intent, good aggression," he added.

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