IND vs NZ, Champions Trophy 2025 Final: ‘Favourites, But Only Just’ – Ravi Shastri
Shastri’s Take on the High-Stakes Final
Champions Trophy 2025 Final, Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in on the Champions Trophy 2025 Final between India and New Zealand, set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9. Shastri believes India are the favourites but warns that New Zealand’s resilience makes them a serious threat. “If there’s one team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand,” Shastri said, emphasizing the narrow margin between the two sides.
Key Players to Watch
Shastri highlighted several players who could turn the game in their team’s favour:
- Virat Kohli (India): In red-hot form, Kohli’s ability to dominate in high-pressure situations makes him a game-changer.
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand): Known for his calmness and consistency, Williamson’s leadership and batting prowess are crucial.
- Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand): The young star has already scored five centuries in ICC tournaments, showcasing his immense talent.
- Mitchell Santner (New Zealand): The captain’s intelligence and all-around skills could prove decisive.
- Glenn Phillips (New Zealand): An X-factor player capable of match-winning cameos with bat, ball, and in the field.
Why New Zealand Can Challenge India
Despite India’s dominant run in the tournament, Shastri pointed out that New Zealand’s balanced squad and experience in ICC events make them formidable opponents. The Black Caps have a history of performing well in finals, and their recent form, including a convincing win over South Africa in the semifinal, adds to their confidence.
Shastri’s Player-of-the-Match Predictions
Shastri tipped all-rounders to shine in the final:
- India: Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja could be match-winners with their spin bowling and lower-order batting.
- New Zealand: Glenn Phillips might deliver a game-changing performance with his explosive batting and fielding.
The Dubai Factor
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has been a spin-friendly venue, and both teams boast strong spin attacks. India’s familiarity with the conditions, having played all their matches in Dubai, gives them a slight edge. However, New Zealand’s adaptability and tactical acumen could level the playing field.
Conclusion
The Champions Trophy 2025 Final promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. While India starts as favourites, New Zealand’s resilience and key players like Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra could tilt the scales. As Shastri aptly put it, India are favourites, but only just.
Source:
- India’s Road to the Final
- New Zealand’s Key Players
- ICC Champions Trophy Official Site
- Latest Cricket News
Highlight
- India’s Strengths: Dominant spin attack, Virat Kohli’s form, and familiarity with Dubai conditions.
- New Zealand’s X-Factors: Kane Williamson’s calmness, Rachin Ravindra’s talent, and Glenn Phillips’ explosiveness.
- Player-of-the-Match Contenders: Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja (India), and Glenn Phillips (New Zealand).
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, known for aiding spinners.
Summary of Champions Trophy 2025 Final
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Shastri’s Take | – India are favorites but only by a small margin. |
| – “If there’s one team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand,” says Shastri. | |
| Key Players | – Virat Kohli (IND): In red-hot form, a game-changer in high-pressure situations. |
| – Kane Williamson (NZ): Known for calmness, consistency, and leadership. | |
| – Rachin Ravindra (NZ): Young star with five ICC tournament centuries. | |
| – Mitchell Santner (NZ): Intelligent captain and all-rounder. | |
| – Glenn Phillips (NZ): X-factor player with explosive batting and fielding skills. | |
| NZ’s Challenge | – New Zealand’s balanced squad and ICC experience make them formidable. |
| – Recent form, including a convincing semifinal win over South Africa, boosts their confidence. | |
| Player-of-the-Match | – India: Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja could shine with spin bowling and lower-order batting. |
| – New Zealand: Glenn Phillips might deliver a game-changing performance. | |
| Dubai Factor | – Dubai International Cricket Stadium is spin-friendly. |
| – India’s familiarity with the conditions gives them a slight edge. | |
| – New Zealand’s adaptability and tactical acumen could level the playing field. | |
| Conclusion | – The Champions Trophy 2025 Final promises to be a thrilling contest. |
| – India are favorites, but New Zealand’s resilience and key players like Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra could tilt the scales. | |
| Key | – India’s Strengths: Dominant spin attack, Virat Kohli’s form, and familiarity with Dubai conditions. |
| – New Zealand’s X-Factors: Kane Williamson’s calmness, Rachin Ravindra’s talent, and Glenn Phillips’ explosiveness. | |
| – Player-of-the-Match Contenders: Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja (India), and Glenn Phillips (New Zealand). | |
| – Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, known for aiding spinners. |
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