'There Will Be Questions Asked': Rohit Sharma Drops Subtle Hints On India's Final XI For The IND vs AUS CT 2025 Semi-Final

Champions Trophy 2025, IND vs AUS: Team India skipper Rohit Sharma laid out the justification for implementing Varun Chakaravarthy in the 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He defended the team's decision to elect the mystery spinner over other prospects while also hinting upon his inclusion in the Playing XI for the upcoming semifinal clash against Australia.

Rohit Sharma Breaks Silence On Team's Strategy To Opt For Varun Chakaravarthy Over Others 

Varun Chakaravarthy did not miss a beat when he was chosen for the Playing XI over Harshit Rana. The Indian spinner, who had been benched in the first two CT matches, got a chance to play against New Zealand and clinched a fifer. Chakaravarthy's inclusion sparked a debate on whether he was a reliable option over other prospects who are raring for an opportunity. Amid the chatter, Rohit Sharma broke silence over the scenario, emphasizing that questions would be raised, but they need to do things which can help them win matches.  

"It's just the talent. If there's something really special about that particular player, you want to try and fast-track him as quickly as possible and give him a go. Certain formats require certain skill set, and I thought whenever we look at these kind of players if the talent is there then you don't want to shy away from letting them and getting them into your team as quickly as possible. There will be questions asked. There will be a few eyebrows which will be raised. But I think as a team, you want to do certain things which can help you win games, as simple as that.

"With Varun, especially, we felt we had to sacrifice a batsman, which we thought it's only five games in this tournament. And it's very unlikely that that batter is going to play at any stage unless there's an injury," Rohit Sharma said at the pre-match press conference.

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Varun Chakaravarthy's Masterclass Earns Him A Huge Accolade 

Varun Chakaravarthy's appearance against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy Group Stage Finale was a spectacle to witness. After dazzling the opposition in the Domestic circuit, IPL and India T20Is, Varun earned a spot in India's Champions Trophy squad, led by Rohit Sharma. The mystery spinner bagged a fifer while conceding 42 runs in his ten-over spell, which earned him the 'Player Of The Match' Award.

Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma will face a well-known nemesis in the Champions Trophy semifinals, making squad selection difficult. The Men in Blue will face Australia on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in the UAE.

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