TOP STORIES
NZ captain Santner acknowledges threat of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy ahead of final

New Zealand's skipper, Mitchell Santner, has spoken candidly about the challenge posed by India's mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, ahead of the blockbuster Champions Trophy final between the two teams on Sunday in Dubai. Santner, who himself has been an instrumental figure in New Zealand’s bowling attack, made it clear that while his team is focused on their own strengths, they are well aware of the threat Chakravarthy poses with his unique bowling style. In the group stage clash against New Zealand, Chakravarthy recorded the best figures, claiming 5 for 42 and giving New Zealand batters harrowing times.
"I think guys will be better for the run against Varun. He's obviously a world-class bowler we've seen it here and in the IPL. He's got that little bit of mystery. But it was the first time some of the guys have been facing him. I think they'll learn from the other day,” Santner said during the press conference.
Santner was one of the five victims, falling to a puzzling delivery from Chakravarthy.
"If the pitch plays a similar way, it's going to be a challenge along with all three of their other spinners. I think the boys will be ready for tomorrow having looked at a little bit more footage. We obviously know what his threats are now. That 115kph arm ball, that got me - that was a bit of a threat. Yeah, he is going to be a challenge."
Tags
More News

"He's 22": Hanuma Vihari defends Nitish Reddy amid selection scrutiny
Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's inclusion in the Indian playing XI for the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand has drawn mixed reactions. Amid the chatter, veteran batter Hanuma Vihari has defended the youngster, urging patience. Reddy was slotted into the team following an injury to Washington Sundar in the first ODI that ruled the spin-bowling all-...

Pakistan confirm squads for white-ball series against South Africa women
Pakistan have named their squads for both the T20I and ODI series for their upcoming tour of South Africa, confirming that Fatima Sana will continue to lead the team in both formats. Pakistan Women have brought in a fresh phase of rebuilding by naming uncapped batter Saira Jabeen and fast bowler Humna Bilal in their T20I squad....

"We keep talking about developing him": Indian coach gives brutal assessment of Nitish Reddy's performance
Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate gave an honest assessment in the wake of India’s defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday in Rajkot. Doeschate spoke candidly on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performances while also flagging concerns about captain Rohit Sharma’s match readiness.
Reddy, who was the only change in India’s playing XI for the seco...

Canada unveil T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Canada have unveiled their 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. All-rounder Dilpreet Bajwa has been named captain and will lead the side as they look to make an impact on the global stage.
Canada are featuring in Group D, alongside South Africa, New Ze...

Pakistan to host Australia ahead of T20I World Cup 2026
Pakistan are set to host Australia in a three-match T20I series in the build-up to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The series will be crucial for both sides in their preparations for the global event.
This will also mark Australia’s return to T20 cricket in Pakistan after a four-year gap. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium ...

Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram