As India and Australia prepare for their Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday, former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik believes that Travis Head will once again be the key wicket for India. Australia had previously defeated India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where Head played a match-winning knock.
Speaking on the Sky Sports podcast with Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, Karthik emphasized Australia’s dominance in ICC knockout games against India.
“It used to be New Zealand for a wee bit. In these knockout games, they always had the better of India, but you have to say it’s Australia at this point of time.”
He further pointed out that India’s real challenge lies in dismissing Travis Head early.
“If at all, there is a team that they would think can challenge India on most days, it has to be Australia. And as Ravi Shastri said, the mental block is not just Australia but Travis ‘Headache’ himself.”
Highlighting Head’s impact across formats, Karthik added:
“Look at the World Test Championship Final, the Australia series, the World Cup final—every big game, he’s delivered. He’s been the difference between winning and losing.”
Nasser Hussain, however, cautioned India against complacency even if Head is dismissed early.
“Don’t take your eye off just because suddenly you get a key man out.”
Karthik agreed but maintained that removing Head early would make India’s job easier.
“Definitely, it’s not the end of the game, but I think they’ll breathe a lot easier because of the tempo at which he bats. India has tried different tactical fields and bowling lines, yet he still finds a way to score boundaries.”
With India looking to settle scores from the 2023 World Cup final, their ability to contain Travis Head early could prove decisive in securing a spot in the final.
