As New Zealand gears up to face India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final on Sunday in Dubai, they will be looking to counter India’s spin-heavy strategy, which played a crucial role in their group-stage defeat. On the other hand, India must also be cautious of the match-winning potential of certain Kiwi players who could prove to be game-changers in the final. Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu, in a video for Star Sports, highlighted three key players who could pose significant threats to Rohit Sharma & Co.
The spin wizard in the middle overs against India
Rayudu’s first choice was captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner. New Zealand’s bowling attack has largely revolved around the left-arm spin of Santner, particularly in the Dubai conditions, where spin has played a defining role. The Kiwi captain showcased his skills during the semi-final against South Africa in Lahore, where his 3 for 43 in the middle overs choked the Proteas’ chase, derailing their hopes of reaching the final.
While his seven wickets in four matches may not look overly threatening, his economy rate of 4.85 runs per over speaks volumes about his ability to control the flow of runs and build pressure on batters. If New Zealand’s premier fast bowler Matt Henry fails to recover from his shoulder injury, Santner’s role becomes even more crucial, as he will be the team’s primary wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
The most dangerous Blackcaps batter: Ambati Rayudu’s choice
With two centuries in three matches, young opener Rachin Ravindra has been New Zealand’s biggest batting asset in this tournament according to Rayudu. His tally of 226 runs at an average of 75.33 has been instrumental in providing his team with strong starts and setting up competitive totals.
However, Ravindra struggled against India in the group-stage clash, managing only six runs before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya. The biggest challenge for him in the final will be to navigate through India’s formidable spin attack in Dubai, which has troubled batters throughout the tournament. If Ravindra can adapt better and counterattack India’s spinners, he could provide the momentum that New Zealand needs at the top.
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The dark horse for the Champions Trophy 2025 final
One of the most intriguing predictions from Rayudu was the possible return of Devon Conway to the playing XI for the final. Conway featured in New Zealand’s first two matches of the Champions Trophy against Pakistan and Bangladesh, scoring 10 and 30 runs, respectively, before being dropped from the team. The Kiwis then opted for an opening pair of Will Young and Rachin Ravindra in their remaining matches, including the group-stage game against India and the semi-final against South Africa.
However, Conway remains a dangerous batter, capable of playing attacking cricket in high-pressure games. If he is reinstated into the side for the final, India cannot afford to overlook him, as he has the potential to take the game away quickly. His ability to handle spin and rotate strike consistently could help New Zealand counter India’s main strength in the final.
𝟑 𝐊𝐢𝐰𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞! 🇳🇿🆚🇮🇳@RayuduAmbati picks the New Zealand players India must watch out for in the 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟! 👀🏏#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 #INDvNZ | SUN, 9th March, 1:30 PM on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1… pic.twitter.com/GOdOx2dzda
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 6, 2025
Also READ: Complete list of Champions Trophy finalists over the years – From 1998 to 2025
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