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Xtra Time Web Desk: Varun Chakravarthy admitted to feeling nervous during his match-winning performance against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, March 2, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The wrist-spinner claimed his maiden five-wicket haul, leading India to a 44-run victory and securing the top spot in Group A.

The 33-year-old delivered a stellar spell, finishing with figures of 5/42 in ten overs, triggering a middle-order collapse that turned the game in India’s favor. His brilliant effort earned him the Player of the Match award. Speaking in the post-match interview, Chakravarthy acknowledged his initial nerves but credited senior players for helping him settle.

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“I was nervous at the start since I haven’t played many ODIs for India, but I felt better as the game progressed. Virat, Rohit, and Hardik kept talking to me, which helped a lot. I found out last night that I was playing, and while I was expecting the opportunity, I was also nervous. The pitch wasn’t a rank turner, but it offered assistance if you bowled in the right areas. It was a total team effort with Kuldeep, Jaddu, Axar, and even the pacers playing their part,” Chakravarthy said.

For guiding #TeamIndia to their third win and getting five wickets, Varun Chakaravarthy is the Player of the Match

Scoreboard ▶️ https://t.co/Ba4AY30p5i#NZvIND | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/FvnSCBeXq7

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 2, 2025

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Chakravarthy struck early, cleaning up Will Young (22 off 35) in his second over. He returned in his second spell to trap Glenn Phillips lbw and removed Michael Bracewell in the very next over, triggering a dramatic collapse. He later dismissed Mitchell Santner (28 off 31) in the final over and sent Matt Henry (2 off 4) back to complete his five-wicket haul.

His effort helped India bundle out New Zealand for 205, sealing a 44-run win. With this performance, Chakravarthy has strengthened his case for selection in the semi-final against Australia, scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, at the same venue.