India is all set to play against Australia in the semifinal of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but one of the name that looms as a threat over India is Travis Head. The left-handed batter has become India’s ultimate headache in recent years with his consistent match-winning knocks across all formats. Whether its Tests, ODIs or T20Is, Head has been the the leader in crushing India’s hopes.
Travis Head In Last Two Years Against India
146 on WTC Final (2023)
India’s agony in the World Test Championship final at The Oval was mainly because of Travis Head’s stunning 146 off 163 balls. Coming in at 76/3, he counter-attacked with bold stroke play, destroying India’s pace attack and laying the platform for Australia’s victory.
137 in the ODI World Cup Final (2023)
On cricket’s biggest stage of them all, in front of more than a billion Indian supporters who wished for victory, Head broke Indian dreams with a sublime 137 in the ODI World Cup final at Ahmedabad. When Australia were set to chase 241 on a difficult surface, he soaked up initial pressure before taking the game away from Rohit Sharma’s team single-handedly.
76 in the T20 World Cup (2024)
Even in the shortest version, Head was unstoppable, hitting 76 runs in the T20 World Cup match against India. His capability to play both pace and spin makes him a nightmare for Indian bowlers, be it any conditions.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (2024-25) – Leading Run-Scorer
Travis Head was the leading run-scorer with 448 runs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His adaptability and aggressive mindset allows him to establish his dominance since the very start. The fearless approach that Travis Head follows leaves no stone un-turned against India.
How Can India Stop Travis Head?
India’s bowlers need to strike early in order to prevent Travis Head from dictating the match. A quick dismissal could put Australia on the back foot, and India must capitalize on any early indecisiveness Head might show. Another tactic India can use is to contain him is: ‘Short-Ball Strategy’. While Head is renowned for his aggressive stroke play, he has occasionally been susceptible to the bouncer. Spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav could also play a crucial role in stemming Head’s momentum.
