ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final preview: India vs New Zealand, players to watch out for
In a blockbuster Sunday, India will face New Zealand in the finale of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The match will be played at Dubai international Cricket Stadium, Dubai. This will be the second meeting between two sides in the tournament after their Group A encounter during the group stages. The men in blue won the game comprehensively with the help of Varun Chakravarthy's masterful bowling.
India and New Zealand have delivered blockbuster ICC knockout moments over the years ???? pic.twitter.com/EZBqCqbRBp — ICC (@ICC) March 6, 2025
New Zealand in their semifinal encounter beat South Africa in a thriller. Batting first, the Kiwis posted a strong total of 362 for 6 with Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra hitting centuries. Despite David Miller's resistance, NZ bowlers, especially their captain Mitchell Santner made sure the team qualifies for the finals yet again.
India, on the other hand, will enter the finals as an undefeated team. They have won all their matches enroute to the final. They beat Australia to book the ticket to the finale. This will be India's third consecutive Champions Trophy final. In 2013 they defeated England in the finals and lost to nemesis Pakistan in 2017.
Players to watch out for:
Varun Chakravarthy-
India's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy will play a pivotal role in Sunday's finale against New Zealand. He has been in top form across formats for India and has been performing really well in the ongoing CT 2025. Varun was also named Man of the match for his 5 wicket haul against Kiwis in the group stage encounter.
Virat Kohli-
One of the most prolific ODI batters of all time, Virat Kohli remains a force to reckon with in this format. His 84 runs knock in the semifinal against Australia was instrumental in winning the match. Fans will hope that Virat should replicate his heroics in the final as well.
Rachin Ravindra-
The 25-year-old Rachin has already hit two centuries in the ongoing CT 2025. The southpaw carried on his good form in the semifinal as well enroute to his 108 runs match winning inning. Team India will look to get him out early.
Mitchell Santner-
New Zealand's captain Mitch Santner will look to spin his web around the Indian batsmen once again in the final. If the wicket is slow and turning, he could be a deadly weapon for the Kiwis.
Ravindra Jadeja-
Although, Jadeja's performance in tournament has not been extraordinary, the finale might be the day he turns up against his favourite opponent. The Indian maestro has scalped 4 wickets and 18 runs in two innings. This might well be his last-ever white ball appearance for India in ICC events and the fans will hope that he leaves the stage on a grand note.
