Top 5 bowlers with best figures on Champions Trophy debut ft. Varun Chakravarthy

The last group stage encounter between India and New Zealand marked a promising show from Indian leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who made his debut in the ICC Champions Trophy. Not even a month ago Chakravarthy made his debut in the ODI format for India as the second-oldest player in the history of the nation.

The 33-year-old made a stunning show, which came as a surprise package to the Kiwis who were not ready to face the in-form spinner. It was due to Chakravarthy’s brilliant 5-for that India won the low-scoring thriller by 44 runs.

India will now square off against ICC rivals Australia in the 1st semi-final scheduled on the 4th of March in Dubai, as the contest remains highly anticipated. After Varun’s stunning figures on debut, here are 5 top bowling figures on ICC Champions Trophy debut.

Top 5 best bowling figures on Champions Trophy debut ft. Varun Chakravarthy

1. Josh Hazlewood – 6/52

Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood emerged as one of the greatest names in the history of the Champions Trophy since he marked his debut in the 2017 Champions Trophy against New Zealand.

The match could not be drawn to a conclusion due to rain; however, he starred in his debut game as he picked remarkable figures of 6/52 in the ICC event.

2. Varun Chakravarthy—5/42

The Indian spinner on debut has been unstoppable in the year 2025 ever since his return. Varun Chakravarthy picked vital wickets for India with the likes of Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry, with which he completed 5 wickets in his spell.

Chakravarthy is the second player to pick a 5-fer on Champions Trophy debut.

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3. Mohammed Shami—5/53

Mohammed Shami made his debut in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy since the player missed his chances in the previous editions owing to his frequent injuries. The 2017 Champions Trophy was also when Shami was withdrawn owing to his injury. He picked a 5-for against Bangladesh in the debut match.

Shami has picked the most wickets in the ICC tournaments and also has the most 5-wicket hauls picked in the ICC ODI format. Shami with the 5-fer also completed 200 ODI wickets in international cricket.

4. Gavin Tonge—4/25

West Indies pacer Gavin Tonge played the first Champions Trophy game against Pakistan in 2009 in the ICC Champions Trophy. Despite Pakistan chasing an easy total against the Windies in the match, Tongue picked a stunning 4-wicket haul on his debut, giving away just 25 runs in 10 overs.

5. Imran Tahir—4/27

South African spinner Imran Tahir, who made his debut in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, was considered one of the oldest players to star in the ICC event. Tahir, who was a veteran spinner for South Africa despite his addition to the national squad at a very old age, picked the best figures of 4/27 on his debut.

He was also South Africa’s leading wicket-taker as a spinner until Keshav Maharaj recently surpassed him with 294 wickets, surpassing 291 career wickets for Tahir.

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