Harbhajan predicts India will field four spinners in CT final
What's the story
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh is optimistic about India's chances in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
He feels India should continue with their four-spinners strategy, which proved successful in their last group stage match against New Zealand.
The final match will be held in Dubai, as India look to win the title they last claimed in 2013.
Here's more.
Successful tactic
India's spin strategy pays off in group stage
India's decision to go with four spinners in their last group stage match against New Zealand proved fruitful as they won by 44 runs.
"I think India will go with four spinners, and I don't think there will be any change in the team. I hope that the result will also be the same," Harbhajan told reporters, as quoted by ANI.
India's spin attack features Axar Patel, Jadeja, Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep. Notably, Axar and Jadeja also strengthen India's batting depth.
Spin strength
India's spin quartet: Key players in the tournament
India's spin quartet has played a crucial role in their journey to the Champions Trophy final.
Each spinner has a different skill set, and together, they have been a force to reckon with, having kept a lid on the opposition's scoring and taking important wickets.
Axar's relentless accuracy and subtle variations are well-known, and Ravindra Jadeja's experience adds depth to the attack.
Spin variety
Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy: The x-factors
With his sharp turn and deceptive flight, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav adds unpredictability to India's bowling attack.
His ability to take wickets in quick succession has been crucial in breaking partnerships and shifting momentum.
Meanwhile, Chakravarthy's unconventional grip and repertoire of deliveries make him a 'mystery spinner,' adding another layer of complexity for opposing batsmen.
Notably, Chakravarthy managed a five-wicket haul in the match against NZ.
Team dynamics
India's preparation and strategy for the final
India's Champions Trophy preparations follow the mantra: "If it isn't broken, don't fix it."
The team management's decision to include a spin-heavy squad has been vindicated by the slow surfaces in Dubai.
Captain Rohit Sharma explained they knew the pitches would be slow, based on the cricket played there in the past two months.
This strategic planning reflects India's commitment to adapting their game plan according to pitch conditions.
Numbers
Indian spinners' numbers in the 2025 CT
Chakravarthy tops the spinners with seven scalps in just two games at 13. His best figures are 5/42.
Axar and Kuldeep follow the 'mystery spinner' with five wickets each at 33.40 and 36.60, respectively.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Jadeja rounds out the list with four scalps at 38.25 in four innings.
Overall, they share 31 wickets among them, and would look to continue their dominance in the finals.