After a dominant performance in the group stage and semi-final, India has reached the Champions Trophy 2025 final. They will face New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. India previously defeated Australia in the semi-final by four wickets, continuing their strong form from the group stage where they also beat New Zealand thanks to Varun Chakaravarthy’s five-wicket haul on his debut. India maintained the same winning team for the semi-final against Australia.
Ahead of the final, former Indian coach Ravi Shastri believes both teams might consider changing their lineups based on the pitch conditions. The Dubai pitch played differently in the semi-final against Australia, not particularly favoring spin bowlers.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if either team makes a change depending on the pitch. The pitch for the Australia game was the best of the tournament,” Shastri stated in The ICC Review.
“The groundsman has five days to prepare the surface since the last match. If it’s a high-scoring pitch around 280-300 runs, teams might consider adjustments. However, changes are only made if absolutely necessary,” he added.
Discussing the game, Shastri highlighted Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra as players who could significantly impact the final.
“Currently, Kohli is in great form. When these top players get settled and score their first 10 runs, they become very dangerous. This applies to Williamson and Kohli. For New Zealand, Williamson is key, and Rachin Ravindra is also a fantastic young talent,” Shastri commented.
“Once these players get comfortable, especially in a final, they become even more threatening. If any team can defeat India, it’s New Zealand. India are slight favorites, but only just,” he concluded.
Shastri also predicted the ‘Player of the Match’ for the final.
“For Player of the Match, I’d pick an all-rounder,” he said in The ICC Review. “From India, Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja. For New Zealand, Glenn Phillips could be impactful. He might show brilliance in the field, score a quick 40-50 runs, and maybe take a wicket or two,” Shastri added.
