The semi-final match of Champions Trophy 2025 between India and Australia is underway and India has managed to send both the Aussie openers back to the pavilion early. Travis Head, the danger man against India, fell prey to Varun Chakravarthy’s full delivery during the powerplay.
Head was looking solid, taking Indian bowlers on aggressively. Chakravarthy got Head for 39 off 33 deliveries. Head scored fast and hit two maximums (sixes) and five boundaries (fours) in his short stint.
Travis Head could have done serious damage, but Chakravarthy turned out extremely useful in the powerplay. Head got forward to hit the full delivery from Chakravarthy but miscued the shot and Gill took grabbed the catch at long-off quite comfortably. This wicket could very well be the difference for India between a win and a loss today.
India's HEADACHE is gone! #VarunChakaravarthy weaves his magic on the field and brings a crucial breakthrough!
📺📱 Start watching FREE on JioHotstar : https://t.co/B3oHCeWFge#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 #INDvAUS | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports… pic.twitter.com/4bvzc5yE9x
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 4, 2025
Why Travis Head Went after Chakravarthy?
Chakravarthy has proven himself very handy for the Indian team in limited overs cricket. Head knew that while Chakravarthy is in good form, if he went after him in the semi-final early on, that would put the Indian spinner under immense pressure. This is what experienced players, or rather, aggressive players do (take for example, Rishabh Pant). While the intent from Head was correct, the execution didn’t fall in place.
Instead of putting the pressure on Chakravarthy, Head’s actions have elated the opponent’s confidence and put Australia under pressure. Many would say that going after Chakravarthy in the first ball wasn’t the right thing to do. However, if someone watches closely, this is what Head’s intent was. The Aussie opener either wanted to score fast or get out, and that is his style of playing.
While Head’s gone, Australia still has plenty of experience in its batting line-up with Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. But now India has the upper hand. Australia, on the other hand, needs to stitch up a long and stable partnership with the hopes that in the end overs their lower order batters could finish the job and take them to a respectable total.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.