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India will take on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 9 (Sunday) in Dubai. With both teams showcasing remarkable performances throughout the tournament, fans are eager to witness an epic contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While India enter the final as🀅 favorites, New Zealand have a history of performing exceptionally well in ICC knockout matches, making the battle even more intriguing.
The pitch in Dubai is expected to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball, with spinners likely to play a crucial role in the middle overs. Both teams boast match-winners capable of turning the game on its head, and former India head coach Ravi Shastri has shared his insights on who could emerge as 💜the Player of the Match in this high-stakes enco𓃲unter.
Ravi Shastri identifies Player of the Match contenders for the grand finale
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri emphasized the importance of all-rounders in big matches and backed them to grab the prestigious award. When it comes to India, the former cricketer went with two stars cricketers — Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja — to make a significant impact.
“Player of the Match, I would go for an all-rounder. I’ll say Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja from India,” said Shastri.
For New Zealand, Shastri highlighted Glenn Phillips as a ꦓgame-chan🎀ger who could step up in the final for the Black Caps.
“From New Zealand, I think that Glenn Phillips has something up. He might just show flashes of brilliance in the field. He might come and smash a cameo of 40, 50 and probably surprise you by taking a wicket or two,” he added.
Also READ: Dinesh Kar💜thik identifies two New Zealand players as potential🎀 threat to India in Champions Trophy 2025 final
Why Shastri’s picks are logically correct
Notably, Shastri’s choices make perfect sense, given the conditions in Dubai and the impact all-rounders have in high-pressure ICC finals. Both Axar and Jadeja are left-arm all-rounders have been crucial for India with their ability to bowl tight spells, take key wickets, and contribute valuable runs in the lower order. Their ability to exploit the spin-friendly conditions in Dubai makes them strong contenders for the Player of the Match award.
Similarly, Phillips, the dynamic New Zeಞaland batter is known for his aggressive stroke play and game-changing fielding. If he delivers a quickfire knock and picks up a couple of wickets, he could very well be the difference-maker for the Kiwis.
With match-winners on both sides, the Champions Trophy 2025 final promises to be a spectacle, and all eyes will be on Shastri’s predicted stars to see if they can shine on the grandest stage.
