"Varun Chakravarthy will certainly Play"- Ex India Head Coach leks Playing 11 vs Australia

Former India captain Anil Kumble shared his thoughts on the Rohit Sharma-led team's bowling combination for their Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia. Kumble said that India should pick four spinners in the match to take advantage of the conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India made one change to their playing XI for the final group-stage match against New Zealand. They picked Varun Chakravarthy in place of pacer Harshit Rana. Chakravarthy delivered a match-winning performance by taking 5-42 and won the Player of the Match award on his Champions Trophy debut.

Mohammed Shami was the only frontline pacer, and Hardik Pandya was the second seamer. With this strategy paying rich dividends, several experts believe India should continue with the four-spinner approach in the semifinal against Australia, which is scheduled to be played in Dubai on Tuesday, March 4.

Varun Chakravarthy Will Certainly Play - Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble backed India's four-spinner strategy for the semifinal against Australia. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Kumble stated that the pitch would likely offer the same assistance to spinners as it did against New Zealand. Kumble added that Varun Chakravarthy is a guaranteed selection in the playing XI.

"I don't think the surface is going to change. It's not going to change from what we saw against New Zealand. I would think that India would go with four spinners and Varun Chakravarthy will certainly play," Kumble told ESPNCricinfo.

India Will Go with the Same Playing XI Against Australia - Anil Kumble

The former India leg-spinner said that India are likely to stick with the same playing XI for the semifinal against Australia. Kumble added that the pitch conditions favor India’s four spinners, and India do not need to consider adding another fast bowler.

"The only chance perhaps is [Mohammed] Shami. He did get hit on his shoulder, but he looked fine when he bowled, so I don't see that also [as] a problem. India, I feel, will go with the same playing XI against Australia and not look to bring in another fast bowler," Kumble said.

"The surface and the conditions certainly suit these four spinners. All four are quality spinners. So, 40 overs of good spin bowling, plus you have the option of 20 overs of pace. I don't think India needs to worry too much," he went on to add.

Varun Chakravarthy Records Second-Best Bowling Performance by an Indian

Varun Chakravarthy has made a strong comeback to the Indian team after an underwhelming start to his international career in 2021. He has cemented his place in T20Is, taking 31 wickets in 12 matches from the end of last year to now.

The 33-year-old's 5-42 against New Zealand was the second-best bowling performance by an Indian in the Champions Trophy's history. Ravindra Jadeja recorded 5-36 against the West Indies in 2013. His spell helped India defend 249 and secure the top spot in Group A.

Ahead of the semifinal against Australia, Rohit Sharma has not revealed the bowling combination. However, India might stick with their four-spinner strategy given Australia’s limited experience facing Varun.

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