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The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as cricketing giants India and New Zealand lock horns in the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 fina𓂃l under the dazzling lights of Dubai. With both teams showcasing exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, fans are in for a thrilling contest between two of t🦋he most formidable sides in modern-day cricket.
India’s journey to the final
India, led by the ever-reliable and dynamic Rohit Sharma, has been a force to reckon with in the tournament. Their campaign has been nothing short of dominant, with an unbeaten run that has stamped their authority on the competition. The batting lineup, featuring stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer, has consistently delivered fireworks, piling up big totals and chaಌsing down tricky targets with remarkable ease.
Complementing the batting brilliance is India’s lethal bowling attack, spearheaded by the experienced Mohammed Shami, the mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, and the all-round prowess of Ravindra Jadeja. This well-balanced attack has dismantled opposition batting ord🅺ers, restricting teams to modest scores and applying pressure in crunch situations.
Why India are the favourites
Moreover, India’s ability to adapt to Dubai’s tracks and humid conditions has played a crucial role in their success. Whether it’s countering the early swing under lights or exploiting the spin-friendly nature of the pitches, the Men in Blue have showcased remarkable versatility. Their depth in both batting and bowling, coupled with a wealth of experience in 😼high-pressure finals, makes them strong favorites to lift the coveted Champions Trophy once again.
Also READ: ICC anno𒅌unces mat✅ch officials for the final of the Champions Trophy 2025
India’s predicted playing XI for the final game against New Zealand
1. Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Role: Opening batter, Leader
- Strength: Aggressive strokeplay, exceptional timing, and leadership under pressure
- Match-Winner Factor: Rohit Sharma, the “Hitman,” is known for his ability to take the game away from the opposition in the powerplay. His knack for scoring big hundreds—especially in white-ball cricket—makes him a nightmare for bowlers. Against New Zealand’s disciplined attack, his composure and ability to anchor or accelerate as needed will be crucial. As captain, his tactical acumen could outsmart the Kiwis in crunch situations.
2. Shubman Gill
- Role: Opening batter
- Strength: Technique, consistency, and adaptability across conditions
- Match-Winner Factor: Gill’s elegant strokeplay and ability to build innings make him a perfect foil for Rohit. His recent form in ODIs suggests he’s ready to dominate big stages. Against New Zealand’s swing bowlers, his watertight technique could set the tone, allowing India to post or chase a massive total.
3. Virat Kohli
- Role: Top-order batter (No. 3)
- Strength: Unmatched consistency, chasing prowess, and mental toughness
- Match-Winner Factor: King Kohli in a final? Say no more. His record in run-chases is legendary, and his hunger for big games is unmatched. Whether it’s soaking pressure or accelerating late, Kohli’s ability to single-handedly win games—especially against a quality side like New Zealand—makes him India’s trump card.
4. Shreyas Iyer
- Role: Middle-order batter (No. 4)
- Strength: Fluent strokeplay, dominance against spin, and composure
- Match-Winner Factor: Iyer’s ability to tackle spin in the middle overs could be decisive against New Zealand’s spinners like Mitchell Santner. His knack for playing match-defining knocks under pressure makes him a vital cog in this lineup, bridging the top order and finishers.
5. Axar Patel
- Role: All-rounder (Lower middle-order batter, Left-arm spinner)
- Strength: Economical bowling, handy batting, and fielding brilliance
- Match-Winner Factor: Axar’s accuracy with the ball can choke New Zealand’s scoring in the middle overs, while his ability to chip in with quick runs down the order adds depth. His clutch performances in big games make him a silent assassin.
6. KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
- Role: Middle-order batter, Wicketkeeper
- Strength: Versatility, technical solidity, and safe hands behind the stumps
- Match-Winner Factor: Rahul’s ability to stabilize or finish innings depending on the situation is invaluable. His keeping skills against spinners and pacers alike will be key on a potentially turning pitch. A big knock from him could tilt the game India’s way.
7. Hardik Pandya
- Role: All-rounder (Lower-order batter, Seam bowler)
- Strength: Explosive hitting, pace bowling, and game-changing energy
- Match-Winner Factor: Pandya thrives in high-stakes games. His ability to clear boundaries in the death overs or break partnerships with the ball makes him a genuine match-winner. Against New Zealand’s middle order, his cutters and bouncers could prove lethal.
8. Ravindra Jadeja
- Role: All-Rounder (Lower-order batter, Left-arm spinner)
- Strength: Pinpoint accuracy, electric fielding, and clutch contributions
- Match-Winner Factor: “Sir Jadeja” is a three-dimensional threat. His tight bowling can strangle New Zealand’s batsmen, his fielding can create run-outs, and his late-order cameos can seal the deal. In a final, his experience is gold dust.
9. Mohammed Shami
- Role: Pace bowler
- Strength: Seam movement, reverse swing, and death-over mastery
- Match-Winner Factor: Shami’s ability to strike early with the new ball or clean up the tail with yorkers makes him a game-changer. Against New Zealand’s top order—think Devon Conway or Kane Williamson—his swing could set the tone for India’s dominance.
10. Kuldeep Yadav
- Role: Wrist spinner
- Strength: Variations, deception, and wicket-taking ability
- Match-Winner Factor: Kuldeep’s chinaman spin can bamboozle even the best batsmen. His knack for picking wickets in the middle overs could disrupt New Zealand’s momentum, turning the game in India’s favor when it matters most.
11. Varun Chakravarthy
- Role: Mystery spinner
- Strength: Unpredictable variations, control, and big-match temperament
- Match-Winner Factor: Varun’s mystery spin adds an X-factor to this attack. His ability to outfox batsmen with googlies and carrom balls could dismantle New Zealand’s lineup, especially if the pitch assists spin. A breakout spell from him could be the difference.
