India's decision to field five spinners in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 has proven successful, as Rohit Sharma and his team have advanced to the final of the eight-team tournament, where they will face New Zealand. In anticipation of this significant match, BlackCaps coach Gary Stead revealed that the team is fully focused on devising a strategy to counter the enigmatic spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.

Varun has participated in two matches during this tournament, claiming seven wickets, which includes a remarkable five-wicket haul. His performance was pivotal in securing India's victory over New Zealand during the Group A match in Dubai.

On March 2, the 33-year-old spinner confounded the New Zealand batting order, enabling India to finish at the top of the group. He also took the crucial wicket of Travis Head in India's semi-final against Australia.

Recognizing Varun as a significant threat, New Zealand coach Gary Stead stated that the team will engage in strategic planning to address his capabilities. 

“We anticipate his participation after his impressive 5/42 against us in the previous match. He is an exceptional bowler who demonstrated his talent against us last time, making him a considerable threat in the upcoming game,” Stead informed reporters on Friday.

“Therefore, we will be brainstorming on how to mitigate his impact while still finding ways to score runs against him,” he added.

'Schedule a bit hectic'

The coach of New Zealand acknowledged that the schedule for his team has been demanding during the current tournament, yet he is not inclined to offer any justifications.

Following their match against India in Dubai, New Zealand proceeded to Lahore to compete in the semi-final against South Africa, where they emerged victorious.

“There is no doubt that traveling here after playing in Lahore, coupled with a full day of travel yesterday, can be somewhat exhausting. However, we now have a couple of days for recovery, planning, and training in preparation for the upcoming game,” he remarked.

Previously, South African batsman David Miller ignited discussion when he disclosed that his team had to travel to Dubai and then to Lahore for the semi-final. Prior to India's match against New Zealand, both Australia and South Africa had made their way to Dubai.

“It is merely a flight of one hour and forty minutes, but the necessity of making that journey was far from ideal,” Miller stated.

“It was early morning, following a game, and we had to fly. We arrived in Dubai at 4:00 PM, and by 7:30 AM, we had to return. It certainly was not a pleasant experience,” he added.

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