How To Get Travis Head Out Early? R Ashwin’s Perfect Solution For India: ‘Give New Ball To Varun’
Last Updated:
Ravichandran Ashwin suggests India use Varun Chakaravarthy with the new ball against Travis Head in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final, seeing Head’s aggression as an opportunity.
Varun Chakaravarthy (L) and Travis Head. (AP Photo)
Ravichandran Ashwin wants India to give in-form Varun Chakaravarthy the new ball against Travis Head in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Ashwin feels Head won’t shy away from taking on the spinner, which will be risky and open a window of opportunity for India.
With centuries in the last two ICC finals against India — the 2023 World Cup and the World Test Championship — Head has been the Men in Blue’s biggest headache. Although Australia have brought a depleted side to the Champions Trophy, without any of the three best fast-bowlers available, and have reached the semi-final with just one win and two wash-outs, Head’s presence has been enough to keep Indian fans worried.
“New ball and give it to Varun and ask him to bowl over the stumps to Travis Head,” Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel. “Travis Head shows all his three stumps and then clears his leg and hit it over the field. Varun Chakravarthy, with a new ball, might give India an edge. It will be a mouth-watering contest.”
“I would be very surprised if Travis Head will take on a back seat against Varun. He would love to go aggressive and it will be a high-risk option. Either he will give Australia good start or India will get him out cheaply. If Travis Head doesn’t take him on, then keep Varun on for five overs,” he added.
Chakaravarthy is coming off a five-wicket haul against New Zealand, his first match in the Champions Trophy. If India don’t make any changes from that match, they’ll field a four-pronged spin attack.
Ashwin’s toss advice
Ashwin also wants India to put Australia to bat first if they win the toss, while expressing confidence in the Men in Blue’s batting ability even if they have to field second.
“This Australian team has too many right-handedness and for that we have Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. If I am India then I won’t be worried about this bowling line-up of India. Win the toss, put them to bat. Give them the responsibility to set the total. If we get Travis Head’s wicket then it will be India’s game to control,” Ashwin said in the video.
“If India will bat first, there is no doubt in my mind that India will score above par score unless Spencer Johnson bowls a fiery first spell. India will go in the game as a favourite with this spin choke but Australia will have nothing to lose.”
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!
