Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir were seen in deep discussion during the Indian team’s net practice ahead of the final match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The discussion was not about planning a family holiday but focused on the strategy for the final match. The main discussion ahead of this important match would have been on New Zealand’s key players – Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and most importantly, Rachin Ravindra.
Rachin Ravindra: The biggest threat for India
25-year-old all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has recently achieved great achievements in world cricket. He has scored five centuries in ICC tournaments in the last 18 months. This figure becomes even more impressive when compared to New Zealand’s legendary captain Kane Williamson, who has only two centuries to his name. India will have to adopt a strategy to get him out early, like they did in the last match. Incidentally, he is coming off a brilliant century against South Africa in the semi-finals and also became the ‘Man of the Match’ of that match.
Matt Henry: Memories of 2019 and India’s challenge
The name of fast bowler Matt Henry reminds Indian cricket fans of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, when he devastated the Indian top order in Manchester. The bowler who put the Indian team in trouble can prove to be dangerous again in the final. However, there are doubts about his shoulder injury. If he does not play in the playing XI, Nathan Smith or Jacob Duffy may get a chance.
Kane Williamson: Calm, balanced and deadly
As former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is maturing in cricket, his game is improving further. After the burden of captaincy is removed, he is playing with complete freedom and this can become a serious threat for the Indian bowlers. He scored a brilliant century in the semi-final and his form will be a matter of concern for the Indian team.
Mitchell Santner vs Virat Kohli: Battle of spin vs batting
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner is known for his accurate bowling and control. His bowling against Virat Kohli is going to be interesting, especially as Kohli has had some trouble against quality spin in recent times. This match could be the turning point of the match.
New Zealand fielding: The X factor
New Zealand’s fielding is considered one of the best in world cricket. Their players display agility, alertness and great athleticism on the field. India’s batsmen will have to be cautious not only from New Zealand’s bowlers but also from their fielding. On many occasions, New Zealand’s excellent fielding has changed the course of the match.
Effect of toss and pitch report
The Dubai pitch has helped fast bowlers and spinners equally in this tournament so far. Pacers have been more effective in the first innings, while spinners have taken more wickets in the second innings. There is no possibility of dew at night, so the effect of the toss will be limited.
Probable Playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakravarthy.
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Matt Henry/Nathan Smith.
Did you know? (Interesting Facts)
- New Zealand have a 3-1 record against India in ICC knockout matches.
- Rohit Sharma is the first captain to reach the finals of all four major ICC tournaments.
- Virat Kohli needs just 55 runs to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs.
- Kane Williamson has scored 333 runs in his last six innings against India.
India’s strategy and New Zealand’s challenge
India will clearly enter this match as a strong team, but underestimating the New Zealand team would be a huge mistake. In the past several ICC tournaments, New Zealand has defeated India on important occasions. In such a situation, Rohit Sharma and his team will not have to take any kind of laxity.
Hardik Pandya’s all-round ability will be very important for India, especially when he is bowling with the new ball. In the spin department, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav will have to challenge the New Zealand middle order.
Conclusion
The final match is going to be an exciting battle for cricket lovers. India has more star power, but the New Zealand team believes in collective effort and tremendous teamwork. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see which team wins the final match. source cricbuzz
Who will become the champion? To know this, wait for this great match to be held on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium!
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