Varun Chakravarthy treated Team India's biggest headache as he got rid of the dangerous looking Travis head during Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Australia in Dubai on March 4. Rohit Sharma-led Indian team was acutely aware of the threat posed by Australian opener Travis Head, whose previous match-winning performances against them in major finals had been decisive. Head began aggressively, as expected, but his innings was cut short by Varun Chakravarthy. Head apparently paid the price for not following Ravichandran Ashwin's advice.
R Ashwin's prediction proves true after Travis Head's dismissal
Prior to the match, R Ashwin, in a video posted on his YouTube channel, had advised Indian captain Rohit Sharma to utilise Varun Chakravarthy with the new ball specifically to target Travis Head.
Ashwin suggested that Chakravarthy should bowl over the wicket, anticipating that Head's aggressive approach would lead to his dismissal. This strategic recommendation proved to be correct, as Chakravarthy successfully removed Head, vindicating Ashwin's analysis and contributing significantly to India's efforts in the crucial semi-final.
"New ball and give it to Varun and ask him to bowl over the stumps to Travis Head. 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," Ashwin had said.
"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 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 keeps Varun on for five overs," he had further said.
In the crucial Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, Head's aggressive batting quickly became a concern for India, as he started targeting Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav by belting them left, right and centre. To counter this threat, Indian captain Rohit Sharma made a strategic bowling change, introducing Varun Chakravarthy into the attack in the ninth over. With the ball still relatively new, Chakravarthy bowled over the wicket, adhering to a pre-match tactical plan. Head, attempting to loft the ball after clearing his front leg, failed to make clean contact, resulting in a miscued shot. The ball soared towards long-off, where Shubman Gill completed a straightforward catch, dismissing Head for 39 runs off 33 balls.
Meanwhile, after Travis Head, Steve Smith steadied Australia's boat as he notched up 73 off 96 before returning to the pavilion. Australia were placed at 198/5 after 36.5 overs when Smith was dismissed.
