Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy: The Spin Duo That Decimated New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
Introduction
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India vs New Zealand was a thrilling encounter that saw India national cricket team clinch their third ICC Champions Trophy title. While Rohit Sharma’s match-winning knock and India’s batting depth played a vital role in the victory, it was the bowlers who set the foundation for success.
Among them, the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy emerged as the game-changers, dismantling the New Zealand cricket team’s batting lineup. Their tactical brilliance, sharp variations, and ability to choke runs ensured that New Zealand could only post 251/7 in 50 overs—a target that India chased down comfortably.
This article highlights how Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy’s magical spell turned the tide in India’s favor, ultimately securing their Champions Trophy 2025 victory.
New Zealand’s Solid Start and the Need for Spin Magic
Winning the toss, New Zealand national cricket team opted to bat first on a dry Dubai pitch. Their openers, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young, began confidently, forming a 57-run partnership against India’s pace duo, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
With New Zealand at 57/0 in 10 overs, the game seemed to be slipping away from India. That’s when Rohit Sharma brought in his spin wizards—Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Spin Web Traps New Zealand’s Top Order
As soon as Kuldeep Yadav was introduced, the momentum shifted in India’s favor. The left-arm wrist spinner bowled with control, precision, and deception, making life difficult for the New Zealand batters.
Kuldeep’s Key Wickets in the Final
- Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29 balls) – Bowled by Kuldeep Yadav
- A beautiful googly completely deceived Ravindra, hitting the top of off stump.
- This wicket broke New Zealand’s strong opening stand and gave India the opening they needed.
- Kane Williamson (12 off 19 balls) – LBW by Kuldeep Yadav
- Kuldeep’s clever flipper trapped the New Zealand captain in front, as Williamson misjudged the line.
- This dismissal at 75/3 sent panic into the New Zealand dressing room.
Kuldeep’s Final Spell:
- 10 overs, 2 wickets, 43 runs, economy rate of 4.3
- He controlled the middle overs, preventing New Zealand from building big partnerships.
His wrist spin, googlies, and flippers completely disrupted New Zealand’s batting plans, setting the stage for Varun Chakravarthy to unleash his magic.
Varun Chakravarthy: The Mystery Spinner Who Choked New Zealand’s Middle Order
While Kuldeep Yadav broke the top order, Varun Chakravarthy ensured that New Zealand never recovered. The mystery spinner, known for his unreadable variations, bowled one of the most crucial spells of the match.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Game-Changing Wickets
- Glenn Phillips (22 off 25 balls) – Stumped by KL Rahul
- A sharp carrom ball beat Phillips, who stepped out to attack.
- KL Rahul’s lightning-quick stumping sent the dangerous batter back to the pavilion.
- Tom Latham (15 off 18 balls) – Bowled by Varun Chakravarthy
- A deceptive slider skidded through and crashed into Latham’s stumps.
- This wicket at 145/5 ensured that New Zealand’s lower middle order had no momentum left.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Final Spell:
- 10 overs, 2 wickets, 45 runs, economy rate of 4.5
- He bowled with tight lines, denying New Zealand any scoring opportunities.
By the time his spell ended, New Zealand’s hopes of crossing 300 were crushed.
Spin Duo’s Impact on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
1. Restricting Runs and Forcing Risky Shots
Both Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy kept things tight, forcing the New Zealand batters to take unnecessary risks. Their combined economy of 4.4 runs per over made it difficult for New Zealand to accelerate.
2. Dismissing New Zealand’s Best Batters
They removed key players like Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, and Tom Latham, preventing New Zealand from forming crucial partnerships.
3. Setting Up India’s Successful Chase
By restricting New Zealand to 251/7, the India national cricket team had a manageable target, which they chased down comfortably.
Their efforts laid the foundation for India’s victory, making their contribution as crucial as Rohit Sharma’s batting heroics.
Why Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy Are India’s Spin Future
This performance in the ICC Champions Trophy final 2025 showcased why Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are the future of India’s spin attack.
1. Kuldeep Yadav’s Return to Form
Kuldeep has been a match-winner for India in ICC tournaments, and his performance in the final reaffirmed his importance in the team.
2. Varun Chakravarthy’s X-Factor
As a mystery spinner, Varun brings unpredictability, making it difficult for batters to read his deliveries.
3. Dominance in Subcontinental Conditions
With India hosting future ICC tournaments, this spin duo will be instrumental in home conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How did Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy impact the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final?
They took four crucial wickets, breaking New Zealand’s batting momentum and restricting them to 251/7, which played a crucial role in India’s victory.
2. What was Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling performance in the final?
Kuldeep Yadav bowled 10 overs, took 2 wickets, and conceded just 43 runs.
3. How many wickets did Varun Chakravarthy take in the final?
Varun Chakravarthy took 2 wickets for 45 runs in 10 overs.
4. Who were the key New Zealand batters dismissed by the spin duo?
They took the wickets of Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, and Tom Latham.
5. How many times has India won the ICC Champions Trophy?
India has now won the ICC Champions Trophy three times – in 2002, 2013, and 2025.
Conclusion: The Spin Duo That Delivered an ICC Trophy for India
The India vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will be remembered for Rohit Sharma’s leadership, but it was Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy’s spin brilliance that turned the match in India’s favor.
Their control, wicket-taking ability, and tactical execution made them the match-winners India needed in the final.
With India’s third ICC Champions Trophy title secured, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy have cemented their place as India’s premier spin duo for the future.
🏆🇮🇳 A historic triumph, led by India’s spin magic! 🎉
