Champions Trophy 2025: Bringing in Varun Chakravarthy was a masterstroke, says Shikhar Dhawan

Former India opener and 2025 Champions Trophy ambassador Shikhar Dhawan has given his take on the inclusion of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the XI, labelling the move as a "masterstroke".

Chakravarthy, one amongst the five spinners in India's 15-member contingent, was not included in the playing XI for clashes against Bangladesh and Pakistan as India went with a three-spin-two-pace model. Chakravarthy, however, replaced Harshit Rana against New Zealand and made an instant impact with a Player-of-the-Match fifer. He then scalped two wickets in India's win over Australia in the semi-final. 

As told to ICC:

India have played great cricket throughout this ICC Men’s Champions Trophy and in my opinion, a key moment came in a change of personnel midway through the competition.

I really like the shift they made to bring an extra spinner in, Varun Chakravarthy – that has been a game-changer and was a great call by the captain and coaches.

He has made India a more balanced side, especially on the slow and turning pitches. It’s very hard to pick the ball from Varun’s hand and that has given India a real edge, that’s why they started dominating more.

The semi-final win over Australia was a brilliant performance and Virat Kohli yet again showed his class. He owned the game and used all his experience to win the game for his country.

Another key player has been Mohammed Shami, who has looked very impressive on his return to international cricket after injury.

Playing in a big tournament like this, there is always pressure and you need your experienced players to soak that up, which he has done.

When I met him over there, he was working on his fitness, and his discipline and commitment levels towards the game are exceptional. When you put that much work in, you deserve results.

But the most impressive thing has been that the whole team are doing well, not just one or two individuals.

Shreyas Iyer has been playing amazing cricket, as has Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, all of them.

To win the Champions Trophy, you have to have the whole team performing well and coming together. One player can win you a game but not a trophy, the whole team has to step up and perform, which India have done throughout.

Everyone is carrying out their role nicely, as they had to in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

Bumrah is the best bowler in the world and it’s amazing to see how India have reached a final without him in such a competitive tournament.

Others have stepped up in his place and the spinners have really dominated. That has given India an extra edge.

The final should be a fantastic match as New Zealand are also a great team. Their own spinners have excelled and one of them, captain Mitchell Santer, has been a great player for many years.

He always chips in with bat and ball, and the way he varies his pace makes him a very intelligent cricketer.

With the bat, Kane Williamson - who I have played alongside in the past - remains a great cricketer. His technique is amazing, as is his adaptability on the pitch and the way he soaks up pressure. That’s why his consistency is so good.

He plays close to his body, he takes his time and scores big runs. We have to watch out for him and make sure we get him out early – while Rachin Ravindra is another big wicket.

Scoring two centuries in one tournament is a big thing and to come in and score that heavily shows tremendous belief as well as skill and mental strength. It takes all those qualities to perform at international level.

I remember the nerves and excitement I felt in the lead-up to the two Champions Trophy finals I played, in 2013 and 2017. We had our team meetings to discuss our plans and while I was excited, I had to make sure I slept well to keep myself fresh for the game.

You know it’s a big day and you really want to lift the trophy, so that excitement is there, but you have to stay in the moment, stay calm and composed and not look too far ahead. We just had to focus on the basics and play the ball.

Winning the Champions Trophy would be very big for us, it would mean a big celebration.

I can see it within my group, everywhere, everyone is talking about the Champions Trophy final.

People have asked me for tickets, people are making plans to watch the game together at home, it will be shown everywhere.

It is a big day in India, and everyone is waiting for India to win the trophy so they can celebrate. If we win, we will see a lot of firecrackers being let off and it will be a colourful sky.

Personally, I think India will win. I believe India’s spinners will be too strong for New Zealand’s batters, who will find it hard to get hold of Varun Chakravarthy - he will play a major role.

Our batting unit is doing very well, the whole team is playing good cricket and I think – and hope – that will continue.