India vs Australia LIVE Updates, Champions Trophy Semi-Final 2025: India Face Massive Selection Headache, Dilemma Over Varun Chakravarthy

IND vs AUS LIVE: ‘Fat-shaming’ controversy around Rohit

Rohit Sharma has been drawn into the centre of a body-shaming saga by politicians just a day ahead of the Champions Trophy semi-final. It is unwanted controversy ahead of a big game, but it should not affect Team India’s preparation.

IND vs AUS LIVE: Will Harshit Rana miss out?

One has to feel for Harshit Rana if he misses out. The young pacer was brought into the squad despite relative inexperience, but has performed admirably, taking 4 wickets in two games. 

There is no doubt that Harshit adds a lot of quality with the old ball. However, does Varun’s qualities outweigh that? It will be a big headache for Rohit, Gambhir and co.

IND vs AUS LIVE: Should Varun Chakravarthy play?

Varun Chakravarthy was brought into India’s 15-man Champions Trophy squad as a last-minute trump card, and boy has he proven his worth. One game, 5 wickets. The perfect impression against New Zealand. Ex-selector Sarandeep Singh believes he is a must.

“It is important to give Varun Chakravarthy a chance. In Australia’s middle order, there are no good players who can play the spin well. Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav are playing well. If Varun Chakravarthy plays this combination, things will not be easy for Australia,” Sarandeep said.

IND vs AUS LIVE: Big selection dilemma ahead of Team India

The question on everyone’s lips: Will Varun Chakaravarthy play? Will Harshit Rana return to the XI? Does someone like Ravindra Jadeja/Kuldeep Yadav get benched?

It is a massive debate, but India must make a tough call that could have huge ramifications. 

IND vs AUS Live: All eyes on Kohli

Star batter Virat Kohli played his 300th ODI match for India against New Zealand on Sunday. However, he failed to leave a mark as he was dismissed for 11. Kohli will now aim to bounce back in style against Australia in the semi-final match. He gave a testament of his fiery form with a powerful century against Pakistan. 

IND vs AUS Live: Only 1 proper spinner for Australia

Australia have only one genuine spinner in Adam Zampa, while hoping for part-timers Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head to deliver the goods. Matthew Short has been ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury and it has also robbed the already creaking Australian bowling unit of a handy spin option.

Ind vs AUS Live: India’s strong spin attack

The Indian spin quartet of Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel walked away with nine New Zealand wickets, but they applied the pressure consistently to earn their rewards. They delivered 128 dot balls in the 39 overs bowled between them as the Kiwis struggled to break free, a sequence eventuating in a flurry of wickets. Even the dismissal of an otherwise stoic Kane Williamson had a touch of desperation as his shimmy against Axar ended in a stumping by KL Rahul. 

Champions Trophy 2025 Live: Injury replacement for Australia

Australia have called up spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly to replace injured opener Matt Short in their Champions Trophy squad. Short sustained a quad injury against Afghanistan and was unable to recover in time for the knockout stages, forcing Australia to make the late change.

India vs Australia Semi-Final, Live: Varun Chakravarthy’s fiery entry

With India opting for a spin-heavy squad tailored for the slow conditions in Dubai, questions arose about whether they had included one spinner too many. However, Sunday’s match validated their selection, and the late decision to introduce Varun Chakravarthy — a relatively inexperienced bowler in the 50-over format — could prove to be a game-changer.

Champions Trophy 2025 Live: Kamran Akmal’s hilarious advice for India

Former Pakistan batter Kamran Akmal stated that Team India should wear an orange jersey instead of blue, in order to avoid getting thrashed by Australia batter Travis Head. Since 2023, Head has proven to be India’s biggest headache across all the formats. Interestingly, Head delivered blockbuster performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 against Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. Both the teams wear blue jerseys. 

Champions Trophy 2025 Live: Australia’s dominance in ICC knockouts

The last two times India and Australia clashed in a major knockout match, Australia emerged victorious, winning both the 2023 World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final.

Champions Trophy 2025 Live: Australia’s Group Stage journey

Australia’s journey has been one of resilience. Despite missing key players before the tournament began, they have showcased incredible depth and mental fortitude. Their campaign kicked off with a record-breaking chase against England, where Josh Inglis’s stunning unbeaten 120 powered them to a thrilling win in Lahore. Rain played spoilsport in their subsequent matches, with their fixture against South Africa abandoned and a rain-affected game against Afghanistan also ending in a no-result, securing their passage to the semi-finals.

India vs Australia Semi-Final, Live: India’s unbeaten run in Group Stage

India have been dominant throughout the tournament, finishing the group stage unbeaten. They men began their campaign with a six-wicket win against Bangladesh. They followed it up with a clinical performance against arch-rivals Pakistan, where Virat Kohli’s masterful century anchored a six-wicket victory in a 241-run chase. Against New Zealand, India faced a stern test but emerged unscathed as Shreyas Iyer’s 79 guided them to 249/9 before Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul sealed a comfortable win, confirming their place in the semifinals.

India vs Australia Semi-Final, Live: Hello

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Champions Trophy 2025, first semi-final match between India and Australia, straight from Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Stay tuned for all the live updates.