New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, recently emphasized the looming threat posed by India’s Varun Chakravarthy to his side. Despite Varun’s limited experience in international cricket, his impressive performance in the Champions Trophy has caught the attention of New Zealand’s batters. Santner highlighted Varun’s exceptional bowling skills, noting his ability to deliver mystery balls that have proven challenging for many batsmen.
During the group-stage match between New Zealand and India, Varun showcased his prowess by claiming a remarkable 5 for 42 on a turning track, leaving several New Zealand batters struggling to read his deliveries. Even the formidable Virat Kohli fell victim to Varun’s deceptive bowling skills during a practice session at the ICC Academy, underscoring the threat he poses to any batting lineup.
Looking ahead to the final, Santner expressed confidence in his team’s ability to handle Varun better, having gained valuable insights from their previous encounter. Acknowledging Varun’s unique arm ball that had caught him off guard, Santner emphasized the importance of studying footage to identify and counter the key threats posed by India’s spinners.
In addition to Varun, India boasts a formidable spin attack comprising Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja, who have collectively troubled opposition batsmen throughout the tournament. Santner highlighted the challenge of facing multiple spinners on a slow wicket, emphasizing the need for New Zealand’s batters to adapt their strategies accordingly.
While India’s spinners have proven effective in creating pressure and taking wickets, New Zealand also possesses a talented group of spin bowlers, including Santner himself, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. Santner emphasized the importance of building pressure through consistent performances to induce mistakes from the opposition batsmen.
As the final showdown approaches, both teams are gearing up for a thrilling battle between bat and ball, with spin likely to play a crucial role in determining the outcome. The clash between Varun Chakravarthy and New Zealand’s batters, including the likes of Santner himself, promises to be a key subplot in the high-stakes encounter.
In the words of Santner, “It’s going to be a challenge along with all three of their other spinners. I think the boys will be ready for tomorrow having looked at a little bit more footage. We know what his threats are now.”
With both teams eager to secure victory in the Champions Trophy final, the stage is set for a gripping contest that will showcase the best of international cricket. Stay tuned for an exciting showdown between New Zealand and India as they battle for glory on the cricket field.
