IND vs AUS | ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Harbhajan Singh Backs Mohammed Shami to Dismiss Travis Head Early in Semi-Final

Can Mohammed Shami Solve India’s Travis Head Problem in the Semi-Final

As India gears up to face Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai, one name continues to haunt Indian cricket fans Travis Head. Having tormented India in crucial encounters, including the 2023 ODI World Cup final and the World Test Championship final, Head remains a significant obstacle in India’s quest for the title. However, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has a clear message for Mohammed Shami: “Get Travis Head out early and forget the fear.”

Harbhajan, speaking on Star Sports, emphasized the importance of dismissing Head as soon as possible, urging Shami to attack with the new ball and prevent the aggressive Australian left-hander from taking control.

“Enough is Enough!” – Harbhajan Singh’s Strong Words on Travis Head

Harbhajan Singh expressed his frustration over India’s struggles against Travis Head, stating that the team cannot allow him to dictate the semi-final’s outcome.

“First thing is, get the fear of Travis Head out of your mind. Try and get Travis Head out. Shami saab, bahut ho gaya Travis Head ka kaam (Shami sir, Travis Head has done more than enough), now don’t let him score runs,” Harbhajan said on Star Sports (via Hindustan Times).

Head’s ability to dominate Indian bowlers has made him one of the most dangerous batters in the Australian lineup. His knack for delivering in crucial ICC matches has put India in difficult positions multiple times. This time, Harbhajan believes, it is India’s turn to strike first and remove the Aussie star before he settles in.

Shami to Lead India’s Pace Attack in Bumrah’s Absence

With ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to a back stress injury, the responsibility of leading India’s bowling attack falls squarely on the shoulders of Mohammed Shami. The seasoned pacer has been one of India’s most reliable performers in knockout matches, but he now faces the tough challenge of stopping Head’s onslaught in Dubai’s conditions.

Shami’s ability to generate swing and hit the right lengths early on could be crucial in breaking Australia’s momentum. If he can remove Head cheaply, India’s chances of controlling the game will significantly improve.

Ashwin Suggests a Spin Option: Varun Chakravarthy with the New Ball

While Harbhajan Singh has called on Shami to dismiss Head, another Indian veteran, Ravichandran Ashwin, has proposed a different strategy using mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy with the new ball against Head.

Ashwin believes that Head’s aggressive approach could make him vulnerable to Chakravarthy’s unpredictable spin. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin explained how India could use this to their advantage.

“Give the new ball to Varun and ask him to bowl over the stumps to Travis Head. Head shows all his three stumps and then clears his leg to hit over the field. Varun Chakravarthy with the new ball might give India an edge,” Ashwin suggested.

Head’s natural inclination to attack spinners could put him in a high-risk situation, creating an opportunity for India to dismiss him early. If India chooses to go with Chakravarthy in the powerplay, it could be a tactical masterstroke against Australia’s top-order.

Why Is Travis Head Such a Big Threat to India

Travis Head’s performances against India in ICC tournaments have made him a nightmare for Indian bowlers. His fearless stroke play, ability to counter both pace and spin, and penchant for big-game performances have established him as Australia’s X-factor.

His last two ICC finals against India have been defining moments:

• World Test Championship Final 2023: Head’s century was pivotal in Australia’s win over India.

• ODI World Cup Final 2023: Head once again produced a match-winning hundred in Ahmedabad, crushing India’s title hopes.

Given his track record, India cannot afford to let him settle in Dubai. The first few overs of the semi-final could decide the game’s direction, making Shami’s role even more critical.

The Battle Plan: How India Can Dismiss Head Early

Harbhajan Singh’s advice to Shami is clear attack early, bowl full, and don’t let Head get comfortable. With Dubai’s surface expected to provide some movement under lights, Shami’s ability to seam the ball could trouble Head.

Possible strategies India could use:

1. Short-Pitched Attack: Head has occasionally struggled against well-directed short balls. Shami and Mohammed Siraj could use this to their advantage.

2. Swinging Deliveries: If there is any lateral movement available, Shami’s natural seam positioning could induce an edge early.

3. Spin Surprise: If Chakravarthy is given the new ball, Head might be forced into an uncomfortable shot early in his innings.

Will India Finally Overcome Their Travis Head Problem

The semi-final clash between India and Australia is more than just another high-profile ICC match it is a chance for India to exorcise their Travis Head demons. With Harbhajan Singh rallying behind Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin advocating for Varun Chakravarthy, India has multiple strategies at their disposal to neutralize Head’s threat.

Will Shami rise to the occasion and deliver the breakthrough India needs? Or will Head continue his dominance over the Men in Blue? All will be revealed when these two cricketing giants collide in Dubai.