India and Australia face off in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final at Dubai International Stadium. India, having played all their matches in Dubai, enjoys a home-like advantage on the spin-friendly surface. Varun Chakravarthy recent five-wicket haul against New Zealand has sparked debate on his inclusion alongside spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
Australia’s Injury Woes & Strategy
Australia is dealing with major injuries to key pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. Steve Smith, leading the side, has emphasized countering India’s spinners in the middle overs. The team arrived early in Dubai to adapt to conditions, focusing on handling India’s spin attack effectively.
Live Score & Key Players
- Live Score: Australia is 120/3 after 25 overs, with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne at the crease.
- India: Rohit Sharma’s aggressive start, Shubman Gill’s consistency, and Virat Kohli’s experience will be key. The spin trio will play a crucial role.
- Australia: Steve Smith’s leadership and Adam Zampa’s spin bowling will be pivotal, with Glenn Maxwell providing all-round depth.
With both teams adjusting to the conditions, the semi-final promises to be a thrilling contest.
India faces a major selection dilemma ahead of the high-stakes semifinal clash against Australia, with Varun Chakravarthy’s inclusion being a key point of debate. The mystery spinner has shown flashes of brilliance but remains a risky choice given the conditions and team balance. With Australia’s strong batting lineup, India must decide whether his variations can trouble the opposition or if a more experienced bowler should be preferred. The team management is carefully assessing all factors, including pitch conditions and past performances, to make the best call for this crucial knockout match. Fans eagerly await the final decision.