Varun Chakaravarthy Battles Foot Injury to Deliver Match-Winning Spell in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final

India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy once again proved his resilience on the grandest stage as he delivered a match-turning performance despite sustaining a foot injury in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand.

The injury scare came in the first innings, when Chakaravarthy was struck on his right foot while attempting to stop a powerful straight drive back at him. Though visibly in pain and seen limping momentarily, he showed immense determination, completing his full 10-over spell and emerging as one of India’s best bowlers in the final.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s Injury and Mid-Innings Reaction

After the first innings, Chakaravarthy spoke about his injury in the mid-innings presentation:

“The right foot is a little sore. It was a good wicket compared to the last one. It was not turning much, so all I could do was stick to the stump line and wait for the batters to make mistakes,” he said.

Despite the discomfort, the 32-year-old spinner delivered an exceptional bowling performance:

10 overs

2 wickets for 45 runs

Economy Rate: 4.5

His crucial dismissals of Will Young and Glenn Phillips helped India restrict New Zealand to 251/7 in 50 overs.

India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final: Latest Match Score

As of the latest update, India is chasing 252 runs to win their third ICC Champions Trophy title (previous wins: 2002 (shared) and 2013).

Current Score: India 122/2 after 26 overs

Rohit Sharma: 76 (off 62 balls)

Shubman Gill: 31 (off 44 balls)

Virat Kohli: Recently dismissed

India needs 130 more runs from 24 overs to claim the trophy. New Zealand’s bowlers are looking for quick wickets, but the strong opening stand has given India an advantage in the chase.

How Chakaravarthy and India’s Spinners Turned the Game

India’s four-pronged spin attack played a pivotal role in controlling New Zealand’s innings, using the slow Dubai pitch to their advantage.

Indian Bowlers in the First Innings:

Kuldeep Yadav: 2/40 (10 overs)

Varun Chakaravarthy: 2/45 (10 overs)

Ravindra Jadeja: 1/30 (10 overs)

Axar Patel: 0/38 (10 overs)

The game-changing moment came when Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up Rachin Ravindra with a brilliant googly, putting India in control of the match.

Can India Secure Their Third ICC Champions Trophy Title?

With a strong start in the chase, India is in prime position to lift their third ICC Champions Trophy. If successful, they will become the most successful team in the tournament’s history with three titles (2002, 2013, and 2025).

However, with the pressure of a final, New Zealand will look for breakthroughs to turn the match around.

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