Spinner Varun Chakravarthy emerged from the dugout to produce a match-winning display against New Zealand in his Champions Trophy debut on Sunday while also leaving India with a "happy headache" ahead of the tournament's knockout stage.

India were rescued by Shreyas Iyer from a top-order collapse by making a fine 79 and raised 98 runs for the fourth-wicket partnership with Axar Patel, who made a solid 42. Hardik Pandya hammered a run-a-ball 45 to ensure India posted a competitive total.

As mentioned, Chakravarthy has become the third Indian to take a five-wicket haul in Champions Trophy history. He has joined Jadeja (5/36 vs West Indies, The Oval, 2013) and Mohammed Shami (5/53 vs Bangladesh, Dubai, 2025) on this list.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy on Sunday became a "good headache" for India ahead of their Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia after his match-winning five-wicket haul against New Zealand, said captain Rohit Sharma.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy did most of the damage as India beat New Zealand by 44 runs on Sunday to win Group A and set up a Champions Trophy semifinal match against Australia. Chakravarthy took 5-42 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium,

Dubai: Varun Chakravarthy stood on the same Dubai pitch where, four years ago, his T20 World Cup campaign fell apart. But on Sunday, the mystery spinner proved redemption is sweet, producing a match-winning five-wicket haul to guide India to a 44-run victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.

Team India mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy played a pivotal role in India’s crucial win against New Zealand in the final group stage clash of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday,

Varun Chakravarthy made a belated but spectacular introduction to the Champions Trophy as he bowled India to victory over New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. It was the mystery spinner’s first appearance in the competition.