Australia have pulled off a tactical surprise ahead of their high-stakes ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against India. They have included young leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha in the playing XI, banking on his ability to exploit the spin-friendly conditions at the Dubai International Stadium. With India traditionally struggling against quality leg-spin in pressure situations, Sangha’s inclusion could prove to be a game-changer.
Tanveer Sangha’s Remarkable Cricketing Journey
Born in Jalandhar, India, Tanveer Sangha moved to Sydney, Australia, at a young age. His father worked as a taxi driver, and like many young immigrant kids, Sangha had to find his way in a new country. However, his talent was evident early on, and he initially represented India at the U-16 level.
Despite his early ties with Indian cricket, it was in Australia that his career truly flourished. He was a standout performer in the 2020 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets. His impressive performances earned him the prestigious NSW Cricket Basil Sellers Scholarship, helping him rise through the ranks in Australian cricket.
Sangha has since showcased his skills in various franchise leagues, including the Big Bash League (BBL) for Sydney Thunder, the Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, and the Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC).
A Threat in the Middle Overs
While still establishing himself in international cricket, Sangha has already displayed his ability to control the middle overs in white-ball cricket. His List A stats reveal a promising career trajectory:
- Matches: 14
- Wickets: 16
- Economy Rate: 5.86
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/21
- Bowling Strike Rate: 41.1
Though his ODI numbers are still a work in progress, with only 3 wickets in as many matches, his success in T20Is (10 wickets in 7 games at a strike rate of 16.8) suggests he has the ability to trouble top-order batters. His variations and control could be a key factor in Australia’s strategy to dismantle India’s batting lineup.
Can Sangha Outfox India’s Batting Powerhouse?
Historically, Indian batters have dominated spin, but recent struggles against quality leg-spinners—especially in overseas conditions—suggest Sangha could pose a real challenge. The Dubai wicket has assisted spinners throughout the tournament, making it an ideal stage for the young leggie to make an impact.
At just 23 years old, Tanveer Sangha is on the cusp of the biggest moment of his career. A strong performance against India in the semi-final could cement his place in Australia’s white-ball setup for years to come. With the world watching, can the Jalandhar-born spinner turn the tide in Australia’s favor?
