ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final (India vs New Zealand)
India vs New Zealand, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: India Eyes Glory in High-Stakes Title Clash
The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is here, with India set to take on New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. While the Indian team has remained unchanged in the last few matches, some experts believe they might spring a surprise by making one significant change for the finale. The big question remains—will captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir take that bold risk in the ultimate showdown?
At the top, no changes are expected, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opening the innings. A minor knee injury to Virat Kohli on the eve of the match has raised some concerns, but he is likely to be fit for the crucial encounter. Shreyas Iyer, one of India’s standout performers, is set to retain his No. 4 spot, followed by KL Rahul. With this structure in place, Rishabh Pant is expected to remain on the bench.
India’s all-rounders have been pivotal throughout the tournament, with Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya solidifying the middle order. While this core remains unchanged, a potential reshuffle could see Washington Sundar making his way into the XI. If the management opts for Sundar, he might replace Kuldeep Yadav, who hasn’t been at his best this campaign. However, Varun Chakravarthy, after his sensational five-wicket haul against New Zealand in the group stage, is a confirmed starter.
In the pace department, Mohammed Shami remains India’s lone frontline pacer, while Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are expected to stay on the sidelines.
With a chance to reclaim the ICC Champions Trophy after 12 years, India faces a tough challenge against the Kiwis, who have historically dominated their ICC tournament encounters with a 10-6 record. In knockout matches, New Zealand holds an even stronger edge, leading 3-1.
Both teams boast a strong spin attack, making this final a battle of strategy and execution. Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra will be New Zealand’s key batters against spin, while the Kiwi bowling unit, led by Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips, will aim to put India under pressure.
As New Zealand seeks its first ICC ODI title since 2000, they will also draw inspiration from their historic victory against India in the Knockouts final 25 years ago. Can India overcome the Kiwi challenge and lift the trophy? Stay tuned for live updates on this high-stakes thriller!
India’s Predicted XI for the Champions Trophy Final:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav/Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy.
Stay tuned for live updates on this epic showdown!
