Champions Trophy 2025: Varun Chakravarthy finishes as India's joint-highest wicket-taker
What's the story
Despite not playing the first two matches for India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, spinner Varun Chakravarthy has ended their joint-top wicket-taker in the tournament.
Chakravarthy made his CT debut versus New Zealand in the final Group A clash. He then featured in both the semi-final and final.
On Sunday, Chakravarthy picked 2/45 versus New Zealand in the final. Here's more.
Final
Chakravarthy bowls well in Champions Trophy final
As mentioned, Chakravarthy took 2/45 from his 10 overs versus NZ on Sunday. He picked the wickets of Will Young and Glenn Phillips.
Notably, the Kiwis were off to a strong start, adding 57 runs. However, Chakravarthy brought India a wicket by dismissing Young.
And then he dismissed the dangerous Phillips, who scored 34.
NZ posted 251/7 in their 50 overs, batting first.
Information
How did he perform in the semis?
It was Chakravarthy, who dismissed dangerman Travis Head, who hit a rapid 33-ball 39 and added 50 runs alongside Steve Smith. Later on, the right-arm spinner dismissed Ben Dwarshuis. He finished with 2/49 from his 10 overs. India won the match, chasing down Australia's 264.
Debut
Fifer on Champions Trophy debut
Chakravarthy starred in India's 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final Group A clash.
Chakravarthy, who made his Champions Trophy debut, took five wickets as India successfully defended 249.
He didn't let the Kiwis get away and got the likes of Young, Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry.
Chakravarthy conceded 42 runs in 10 overs as the Kiwis perished for 205.
Wickets
Chakravarthy and Shami finish with 9 wickets each
Across three matches, Charkravarthy ended the Champions Trophy 2025 with 9 scalps.
He bowled 30 overs and gave away 136 runs, as per ESPNcricinfo.
He averaged 15.11 and his economy rate read 4.53.
Meanwhile, pacer Mohammed Shami, who featured in all 5 matches, also finished with 9 scalps.
He averaged 25.88 and his economy rate read 5.68. Shami clocked 1/74 in the final.