With India set to face Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, Dinesh Karthik has outlined a strategy to dismiss Travis Head, Australia’s in-form batter who played a pivotal role in their 2023 ODI World Cup final triumph over India.
Speaking to Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain on the Sky Sports podcast, Karthik emphasized that India might opt for four spinners, given the nature of the Dubai pitch and Varun Chakravarthy’s impressive performance against New Zealand.
“I have a feeling they will end up playing four spinners, especially with the way Varun bowled and this pitch. More than anything else, it makes sense to play Varun, and he is, again, a wicket-taking opportunity against a lot of the Australians.”
Varun Chakravarthy – A Key Weapon Against Head
Karthik pointed out that mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy could be India’s best bet against Head, as he turns the ball both ways and maintains a consistent length.
“People who have played him in IPL will know him a little better, but the guys who are playing him for the first time, he is a challenge without a doubt.”
Travis Head’s Weakness – How India Can Exploit It
According to Karthik, Head’s aggressive style outside the off-stump could be used against him.
“With Travis Head, it’s very obvious. His strength could easily be his weakness. If you bowl outside the off stump and it swings a bit, he could definitely fall, but also he doesn’t back away from slashing at it.”
Karthik noted that the conditions in Dubai have offered more swing than in Pakistan, and bowlers need to target middle and off stump precisely.
“If you have fourth stump, it goes for four. If you’re at middle and leg, it goes for four. Leg side, he plays that pick-up shot. So you have to be sort of top of middle and off stump.”
With India looking to neutralize Australia’s biggest threat, Karthik’s insights could be key in helping Rohit Sharma’s men devise a game plan to dismiss Head early and take control of the match.
