'Game-Changer': Shikhar Dhawan Points Out India's 'Key Moment' In Champions Trophy
Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has provided his insights ahead of the Champions Trophy final and has pointed out a game-changing moment in India's campaign.
Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has said that although his team has played brilliant cricket throughout the Champions Trophy, a key moment came when they introduced Varun Chakravarthy into the game, proving to be a game-changing moment for the title favourites.
Dhawan, who knows what it takes to win an ICC tournament, having been a part of India’s 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squad, was impressed by Chakravarthy.
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Chakravarthy‘s five-wicket haul against New Zealand in the group stage was a performance that grabbed the attention of the cricketing community, including Dhawan’s watchful eyes.
“India have played great cricket throughout … (but) a key moment came in a change of personnel midway through the competition," Dhawan said while speaking to ICC.
“I like the shift they made to bring an extra spinner in, Varun Chakaravarthy – that has been a game-changer and was a great call by the captain and coaches," Dhawan added.
The inclusion of Chakravarthy is enough for the former Indian cricketer to predict that it will be India lifting the Champions Trophy once again on Sunday, March 9.
“I believe India’s spinners will be too strong for New Zealand’s batters, who will find it hard to get hold of Varun Chakaravarthy – he will play a major role," Dhawan said.
“Our batting unit is doing very well, the whole team is playing good cricket, and I think and hope – that will continue," Dhawan added.
The former India cricketer credited the role ace India batter Virat Kohli and star pacer Mohammed Shami have made throughout the Champions Trophy campaign.
Kohli is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament and has a golden opportunity to finish at the top of the table as well.
Shami, on the other hand, is the second-highest wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy, only behind New Zealand’s Matt Henry.
“(Shami) has looked very impressive on his return to international cricket after (his) 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," Dhawan said.
“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," Dhawan added.
For more in-depth coverage of the Champions Trophy, check out the latest Points Table to see where your favorite team stands. Stay updated on the tournament’s top performers with the Most Runs and Most Wickets leaderboards. Keep following for all the latest updates!
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