'People are not watching his hand' - Harbhajan Singh analyses Varun Chakaravarthy's performance versus New Zealand
"People are trying to read him after pitching the ball, which is a very difficult thing," Harbhajan Singh said while analysing Varun Chakaravarthy's performance against New Zealand on Sunday, March 2.
Varun Chakaravarthy brought his A-game to the fore in the Champions Trophy 2025 clash between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday, March 2. The mystery spinner bagged a five-for in just his second ODI appearance, helping India finish at the top of Group A.
Harbhajan Singh, who is one of the finest spinners to have played for India, lauded Varun's exploits with the ball. According to the cricketer-turned-commentator, batters are struggling to pick Varun from his hand and trying to read his deliveries off the deck, which is playing into the hands of the Tamil Nadu spinner.
"See, the magic portion is he's not played much cricket. That is number one. People don't know much about him, what he brings onto the table, and his arm speed is quite fast, and people are not watching his hand, which way the ball is spinning. People are trying to read him after pitching the ball, which is a very difficult thing. For any batter to do that, you have to see the hand, how the spinners are bowling, and what variation it is coming towards you, rather than picking, picking it up from the length," Harbhajan told India Today.
"So that's where, you know, the New Zealanders have made that mistake, not looking at his hand. And he's one of those bowlers, full of confidence, and he took a lot of wickets against England. And good to see him getting this game and contributing to India's success, and I hope that he'll continue even in the semis and also in the finals," he added.
India made the right choice by picking four spinners, and that should be the way forward: Harbhajan Singh
India played four spinners in the game against New Zealand, replacing seamer Harshit Rana with Chakaravarthy. Harbhajan urged the team management to continue with four spinners for the remainder of the tournament.
"We have seen what spinners can do on this wicket. Four spinners against Australia. I definitely feel that this should be the team going forward. Whether Australia or South Africa come in the final, whatever team you meet in the final, or even if New Zealand come in the final, the same team should be carried forward and spinners will be key. People who play spin better and people who bowl well in terms of spin, will win most of their matches here on this ground. I think spinners will be key and India made the right choice by picking 4 spinners, and that should be the way forward," said Harbhajan.
India are set to lock horns with Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, March 4.
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