Anil Kumble says Varun Chakravarthy would certainly play in semifinal clash against Australia

Legendary Anil Kumble believes Varun Chakravarthy will certainly play in the semifinal game against Australia in Dubai on Tuesday. Chakravarthy replaced Harshit Rana in the playing XI against New Zealand on Sunday and he was able to grab his chance with both hands.

The mystery spinner returned with impressive figures of 5-42 in his quota of 10 overs against the Kiwis as he was able to make the most of the favorable conditions on offer. Chakravarthy was playing only his second ODI but he continued his rich form in the white-ball formats.

The 33-year-old spinner had scalped 14 wickets in five T20Is against England and thus he was added to the Champions Trophy squad.

Kumble expects a similar pitch on Tuesday against Australia and backed India to play four spinners.

Anil Kumble said on ESPNCricinfo, “I don’t think the surface is going to change. It’s not going to change from what we saw against New Zealand. I would think that India would go with four spinners and Varun Chakravarthy will certainly play. The only chance perhaps is [Mohammed] Shami. He did get hit on his shoulder, but he looked fine when he bowled, so I don’t see that also [as] a problem.

“India, I feel, will go with the same playing XI against Australia and not look to bring in another fast bowler. The surface and the conditions certainly suit these four spinners. All four are quality spinners. So, 40 overs of good spin bowling, plus you have option of 20 overs of pace. I don’t think India need to worry too much,” the former India leg spinner went on to add.

On the other hand, Indian captain Rohit Sharma said playing four spinners against Australia would be tempting and they will take a call on their playing XI after looking at the pitch.

“We really need to think, even if we want to play four spinners, how we can squeeze four spinners. If we don’t, then we don’t. Whatever works for us in terms of the bowling options, we will try and do that… We’ll think about it, what is the right combination to go with. But it is tempting.”

The first semifinal is expected to be played on a fresh pitch in Dubai.