Picking Varun is a key moment in India’s campaign: Shikhar Dhawan

“Varun has made India a more balanced side, especially on the slow and turning pitches. It’s very hard to pick the ball from Varun’s hand and that has given India a real edge, that’s why they started dominating more,” says Dhawan.

Dubai: Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan said that a key moment in India’s campaign in the ongoing Champions Trophy in Dubai was bringing an extra spinner in, Varun Chakravarthy – that has been a game-changer and was a great call by the captain and coaches.

“Varun has made India a more balanced side, especially on the slow and turning pitches. It’s very hard to pick the ball from Varun’s hand and that has given India a real edge, that’s why they started dominating more,” Dhawan said.

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“The semi-final win over Australia was a brilliant performance and Virat Kohli yet again showed his class. He owned the game and used all his experience to win the game for his country,” he said. “Another key player has been Mohammed Shami, who has looked very impressive on his return to international cricket after injury,” he added.

“Playing in a big tournament like this, there is always pressure and you need your experienced players to soak that up, which he has done,” Dhawan said.

“The most impressive thing has been that the whole team is doing well, not just one or two individuals. Shreyas Iyer has been playing amazing cricket, as has Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, all of them,” the former India star said.

“The final should be a fantastic match as New Zealand are also a great team. Their own spinners have excelled and one of them, the captain Mitchell Santer, has been a great player for many years,” Dhawan said. “He always chips in with bat and ball, and the way he varies his pace makes him a very intelligent cricketer,” he said.

“With the bat, Kane Williamson – who I have played alongside in the past – remains a great cricketer. His technique is amazing, as is his adaptability on the pitch and the way he soaks up pressure. That’s why his consistency is so good,” Dhawan said.

“Winning the Champions Trophy would be very big for us, it would mean a big celebration. I can see it within my group, everywhere, everyone is talking about the Champions Trophy final,” he said.