Rohit Sharma Interview ahead of India vs Australia Semi-final Champions Trophy 2025

Rohit Sharma Talks Team Strategy, Pitch Conditions, and Semi-Final Challenge Against Australia

India Prepares for High-Stakes Knockout Battle in Champions Trophy 2025

Dubai, March 3, 2025: With India securing a place in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, captain Rohit Sharma addressed the media in a pre-match press conference, offering insights into team strategy, the evolving pitch conditions in Dubai, and potential squad selection for the knockout clash against Australia.

Rohit acknowledged the importance of adapting to the conditions and hinted at the possibility of four spinners in the playing XI, depending on how the pitch behaves. He also heaped praise on Varun Chakravarthy, whose recent performances have made a strong case for selection in the upcoming high-stakes match.

Team Combination: Will India Opt for Four Spinners

With the Dubai pitches becoming slower as the tournament progresses, there has been speculation about India fielding an additional spinner in the semi-finals. Rohit admitted that the team is still weighing its options.

“The game just got over, and we need to think about what the right combination will be. It is tempting to play four spinners, but we also need to see how we can balance the team accordingly,” he said.

India has a wealth of spin options in Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Varun Chakravarthy, all of whom have been effective in these conditions. Rohit emphasized the need to assess Australia’s batting lineup before finalizing the squad.

Varun Chakravarthy’s Impact and Selection Dilemma

One of the biggest positives for India has been Varun Chakravarthy’s resurgence. The mystery spinner, who was instrumental in India's victory against New Zealand, has become a crucial weapon in India’s bowling arsenal.

“Varun showed what he is capable of. When he gets it right, he can dismantle batting lineups. It’s a good headache for us to have, figuring out how to include him in the best possible combination,” Rohit stated.

Chakravarthy, who previously featured in T20Is, has sharpened his accuracy and pace variations over the years. His performances in the IPL and domestic cricket have helped him evolve into a more complete bowler.

“He has become much more accurate since the last time he played for India in 2021. His pace variation is superb, and that element of mystery makes him a real threat. Watching him from the slips, you can see the difficulty batters have in picking him,” Rohit added.

Middle-Order Strength and Key Performances

India’s middle order has been tested in recent matches, with Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel all stepping up in crucial situations. Rohit highlighted the importance of having different batters getting time in the middle ahead of the knockouts.

“It was absolutely brilliant for us to see the middle order getting an opportunity. The first two games we chased, but this time, batting first allowed us to test ourselves under pressure. Shreyas, KL, Hardik, and Axar all played key roles, which is a great sign going into the semi-finals,” Rohit explained.

Axar Patel’s emergence as a middle-order batter at No. 5 has been a revelation. The left-hander played a gritty knock against New Zealand and has shown remarkable improvement with the bat.

“The clear message to Axar was that he would bat at No. 5, no matter what. His ability to take the game on and absorb pressure has been outstanding. We saw it in the T20 World Cup final as well. His batting gives us more flexibility,” Rohit stated.

Pitch Conditions: A Crucial Factor in India’s Strategy

One of the biggest challenges in Dubai has been the changing nature of the pitches. Rohit acknowledged that while the surfaces have remained slow, each match has presented different conditions.

“In all three games, the pitch has behaved differently. Today, we saw swing early on, which wasn’t there in the previous matches. Some pitches offer more turn, some have variable bounce. It’s important to adapt quickly,” Rohit said.

With India having played all their group matches at the same venue, they have developed a strong understanding of the conditions. However, the semi-final pitch remains a mystery, and the team will need to be flexible in their approach.

“We don’t know which pitch we will play on in the semi-final. Each surface here has a different nature, so we can’t rely on past matches. We need to be ready for anything,” Rohit emphasized.

Facing Australia in the Semi-Final: Extra Motivation

India’s upcoming clash against Australia brings back memories of the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where Australia emerged victorious. When asked if that loss adds extra motivation, Rohit downplayed the narrative, choosing to focus on the present challenge.

“Look, Australia is a great team, and they have a history of performing well in ICC knockouts. But for us, the focus remains on what we need to do as a team. We expect a tough fight, but our approach will remain the same focus on our strengths and execute our plans well,” he said.

With both teams boasting match-winners, the semi-final promises to be a thrilling contest.

Final Thoughts: India’s Road to the Final

India’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been built on adaptability, balance, and depth. Rohit Sharma’s leadership has ensured that the team remains flexible and prepared for different scenarios. As they gear up for a crucial semi-final against Australia, India’s biggest strengths will be their formidable spin attack, middle-order depth, and experience in handling pressure situations.

With the pitch conditions playing a crucial role, India’s ability to adapt on the day will determine their fate in the tournament. As the battle for a place in the final looms, all eyes will be on how Rohit and his team execute their plans against a high-quality Australian side.