Team India, having excelled in the group stage and semi-final, will face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai. India secured their place by defeating Australia by four wickets, following an earlier win against New Zealand, where debutant Varun Chakaravarthy took five wickets. Former coach Ravi Shastri suggested possible changes in both teams’ lineups depending on pitch conditions, highlighting the impact of players like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. He believes New Zealand could pose a significant challenge, with India starting as slight favorites. Shastri predicts an all-rounder could be the ‘Player of the Match.’
After delivering a stunning performance throughout the group stage and semi-final, Team India has advanced to the final of the Champions Trophy 2025. In the championship match, Rohit Sharma and his team will face New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai. India secured their spot by overcoming the formidable Australia in the semi-final by four wickets with an impressive display. Previously, in their final group stage match, India triumphed over New Zealand, thanks to a remarkable five-wicket haul by spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, making his Champions Trophy debut. Radiating confidence, Team India retained the same Playing XI for the semi-final against Australia.
Looking ahead to the final, former India coach Ravi Shastri believes that both India and New Zealand may alter their Playing XI based on the pitch conditions. The surface in Dubai exhibited varied behavior during the semi-final between India and Australia, which did not favor spin bowlers at all.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if there are changes for either team depending on pitch circumstances. The pitch we witnessed against Australia was the best we’ve seen throughout the tournament,” Shastri mentioned in The ICC Review.
“With another five days for the groundsman to prepare a surface since the last match, if it resembles a 280-300 pitch like the last one, it might warrant some consideration. However, you wouldn’t alter the lineup unless absolutely necessary,” he added.
Commenting on the match, Shastri noted that key players like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra are expected to have a significant impact in the final.
“Currently, Kohli is the man to watch. Once these players get going and you allow them to score their first 10 runs, they become a threat. Whether it’s Williamson or Kohli, I’d consider Williamson from New Zealand. To some degree, Rachin Ravindra is also a fantastic young talent,” Shastri stated.
“These players, once they sense an opportunity and reach that 10-15 mark in a final, become doubly dangerous. If any team can upset India, it’s New Zealand. Thus, India starts as the favorites, but it’s very close,” he added.
Shastri also shared his thoughts on who might be the ‘Player of the Match’ in the final.
“For Player of the Match, I’d lean towards an all-rounder,” he remarked in The ICC Review. “I’d suggest Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja from India. From New Zealand, I believe Glenn Phillips has something special in him. He might deliver a spectacular performance in the field, potentially scoring a quick 40 or 50 and maybe even surprising with a wicket or two,” Shastri concluded.
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