Champions Trophy 2025: Kiwi coach wary of Chakravarthy ahead of final

New Zealand camp worried over star spinner following his impressive performance in group clash

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Conceding the element of risk in tackling Varun Chakravarthy, New Zealand coach Gary Stead felt that the mystery spinner will be a "big threat" in Sunday's ICC Champions Trophy final, and the Kiwis will put on their "thinking caps" to negate his effectiveness.

Chakravarthy caught the Black Caps off guard in the final Group A game of the tournament last week, as he ran through New Zealand's top order, claiming figures of 5 for 52, and dented the Kiwis' chase by picking the key wickets of Will Young, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner, as India successfully defended 249 in Dubai.

Varun was in fine form against Australia in the semifinal as well. He picked up the crucial wicket of Travis Head and finished with figures of 2 for 49. Having already played a game in Dubai, New Zealand will be better prepared to handle the sluggish conditions expected on Sunday. But Stead felt that his side must be better prepared in facing the Tamil Nadu spinner.