Varun a Big Threat, Will Think to Nullify That: NZ Head Coach Stead
The upcoming Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting strong lineups and impressive performances throughout the tournament. However, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has identified a key threat for his team in the form of Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who picked up five wickets against the Kiwis in their group-stage match.
In an interview, Stead acknowledged the danger that Varun poses and stated that his team would need to be clever in their approach to nullify his threat. “We’ll be putting our thinking caps on around how we nullify that and how we can still score runs against him,” Stead said.
Varun’s impressive display against New Zealand in the group stages was a testament to his ability to trouble even the best of batsmen. His unique action and variation in pace and spin have made him a difficult opponent to face, and Stead is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
For New Zealand, the key will be to find a way to counter Varun’s threat without sacrificing their own batting rhythm. The Kiwis have been in excellent form with the bat, with players like Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, and Henry Nicholls all scoring heavily throughout the tournament.
However, Varun’s ability to spin the ball both ways and his ability to deceive batsmen with his pace and bounce make him a tough nut to crack. Stead will need to find a way to get his batsmen to play Varun with caution, while also encouraging them to be aggressive and take the game away from India.
One possible solution for New Zealand could be to target Varun’s weaker areas, such as his tendency to bowl short and wide. If they can get him to bowl longer and tighter, they may be able to neutralize his threat and get their batsmen going.
Another option could be to use their own spinners to counter Varun’s threat. Players like Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi have been in good form throughout the tournament, and they may be able to use their own spin to nullify Varun’s threat. By using their spinners to bowl dry and restrict India’s runs, New Zealand may be able to take the pressure off their batsmen and get them to play their natural game.
For India, the key will be to continue to back Varun and use him as a key weapon in their attack. Varun’s ability to pick up wickets and restrict runs has been a major factor in India’s success throughout the tournament, and they will need to continue to use him in the same way if they are to succeed in the final.
India’s batting lineup is also looking strong, with players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni all in good form. If they can get their batsmen to play freely and aggressively, they may be able to build a big score and put pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers.
In conclusion, the Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting strong lineups and impressive performances throughout the tournament. For New Zealand, the key will be to find a way to counter Varun’s threat without sacrificing their own batting rhythm, while for India, the key will be to continue to use Varun as a key weapon in their attack.
As Stead himself acknowledged, Varun is a big threat for New Zealand, and they will need to be clever in their approach to nullify his threat. However, with their strong batting lineup and impressive performances throughout the tournament, New Zealand will be confident of emerging victorious in the final.
