India, March 3 -- Varun Chakaravarthy's spin proved to be the game-changer as India secured a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final Champions Trophy group-stage clash on Sunday. The off-spinner, making his first appearance in the tournament, bamboozled the Kiwi batters with figures of 5/42 in 10 overs, helping India defend a modest 249 and finish atop Group A.

New Zealand, despite the loss, joined them in the semifinals as the second-placed team.

Skipper Rohit Sharma lauded Chakaravarthy's impact and explained the rationale behind his inclusion in the playing XI. However, he also admitted that the spinner's performance gives India a 'good headache' over team selection for the semi-final against Australia.

"He has go...