Ravi Shastri gives India's selection solution, advises Gambhir and Rohit on how to defeat Australia in Champions Trophy semi-final

Varun Chakaravarthy put on a dazzling display Sunday night in Dubai, securing a career-best 5/42 to lead India to victory over New Zealand. His performance had captain Rohit Sharma praising his form and admitting that his stellar play has given the team a welcomed selection dilemma. However, with a crucial semi-final match looming, and facing a formidable opponent like Australia, every decision will be crucial.

So which Playing XI should India go ahead with? If you ask former India coach Ravi Shastri, this is what he has to say. "I would go with the same XI because the turnaround is less than 48 hours. The square is a little tired at the moment and people would have run on the pitch that will be used the day after. So the spinners will again come into play".

India, particularly Rohit, knows what it's like to lose to Australia in a knockout game. The scars of November 19, 2023, are still fresh despite India going on to win a T20 World Cup. That defeat instilled a sense of fear in the hearts and minds of Indian fans. India, lately, haven't had much success against Australia, recently losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. They have, in history, beaten Australia just twice in ICC knockouts – the T20 World Cup in South Africa and the 2011 World Cup in India. For that to change, Shastri suggests India play the same team that beat New Zealand, and if given the opportunity to bat first, put up a decent total and let the spinners do their trick.

Ravi Shastri's mantra to beat Australia

"So if you bat first, put anything over 240-250, it's going to be very competitive in a big game like a semi-final," said Shastri at the end of the match.

In the 2023 World Cup final, India paid the price for batting first, as the tacky Ahmedabad surface did not allow the Indian batters to take off. India, despite their brilliant batting, have shown a tendency to slow down whenever the wicket is either turning or slow. India must be aware not to repeat the same mistakes from that damned evening in Ahmedabad to ensure smooth sailing into the final on Sunday, where, if qualified, they will face the winner of the second semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa, taking place on Wednesday.

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