India's Varun Chakravarthy bowls a delivery during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. AP Photo/Altaf Qadri India's Varun Chakravarthy bowls a delivery during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. AP Photo/Altaf Qadri

Varun Chakravarthy was India’s unexpected spin card against New Zealandkaratepg, delivering more than expected. His impact has now sparked a major selection headache ahead of the knockouts for Rohit Sharma and selectors. (More Cricket News)

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The right-arm leg-spinner wasn’t necessarily in the spotlight before the game, but his impact has now thrown a curveball at India’s plans.

At 33, Chakravarthy was only playing his second ODI, yet he made an instant impact with a stunning maiden five-wicket haul, finishing with 5/42 from his 10 overs.

He replaced Harshit Rana as India’s only change from the side that defeated Pakistan, adding another spin option on a Dubai pitch that has consistently favored slow bowlers throughout the tournament.

Now, leaving him out of India’s XI for the knockout semi-final against Australia at the same venue won’t be easy.

“We just wanted to see what (Chakravarthy) can offer,” Rohit Sharma said after the match.

“He’s got something different, no doubt about it. Varun was class today. When he gets it right, he’s very difficult to read.

“We’ll have to think about what we want to do in the next game (against Australia). Obviously,fef777 it’s a good headache to have.”

Osasuna were unbeaten in their six previous home league games and took an 18th-minute lead when Budimir nodded home from Zaragoza's cross.

Having gone toe-to-toe with giants Real Madrid and Barcelona for much of last campaign before eventually finishing third, Girona now sit 12th in the LaLiga standings on eight points from seven matches.

Chakravarthy spent the first two matches on the sidelines, waiting for his chance. But when he finally got his opportunity against New Zealand, he made an instant impact, emerging as the 'game changer player'.

With Chakravarthy impressing on his return, India’s team management now faces a tricky selection decision. The established spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel has performed consistently, but Chakravarthy’s unpredictability gives India an extra edge.

Will they load up on spin and play four spinners against Australia, given the conditions in Dubai? Or will they stick to their balanced approach?

The final choice will depend on the pitch and match-upskaratepg, but India’s bowling attack looks well-equipped and confident heading into the semi-finals.