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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is set to take place between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9. With both teams displaying remarkable per🦄formances throughout the tournament, fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating a high-octane clash betwee𒅌n the cricketing giants.
India, led by Rohit Sharma, have been in dominant form, remaining unbeaten in the tournament. On the other hand, New Zealand, under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, have showcased their resilience and determination, overcoming South Africa convincingly in the semi-finals. The final promises to be an intense battle of skill, strategy, and nerve, as both sides aim to etch the♔ir names in history.
High expectations from both teams
India will enter the final as favourites, given their stellar record in the tournament. Their batting lineup, featuring stars like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and others, has been consistent, while their bowlers, including Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakravarthy, have delivered match-winning performances.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have been no pushovers. Their ability to thrive under pressure has made them a formidable opponent. With Kane Williamson anchoring the batting lineup and the spin duo of Santner and William O’Rourke making an impact,🐻 the Black💟 Caps have the firepower to challenge the in-form Indian side.
Also READ: IND vs NZ: Ravi Shast🍌ri names Player of the Match contenders for Champions Trophy 2025 final
Ravichandran Ashwin picks India’s game-changer for the Champions Trophy final
Meanwhile, former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the highly anticipated contest, naming middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer as India’s ‘game changer’ for the final. Speaking on his YouTube channel, ‘Ash Ki Baat,’ Ashwin highlighted Iyer’s recent form and his ability to rise to the occasion. Ashwin reckoned that Iyer has been in a great form since 2023 ODI World Cip and has batted well in the past against the Black Caps.
“For me, the game-changer will be Shreyas Iyer,” Ashwin stated.
“It is because of his recent form. This guy had an excellent 2023 World Cup. He has batted well against New Zealand. He has played well at the Wankhede in Mumbai. And once again, in this tournament, he has looked crackerjack,” he added.
Ashwin also praised Iyer’s adaptability and improvements in han🃏dling short-pitched deliveries, a weakness that he has worked diligently to overcome.
“He has worked well on his short-ball game as well. Of course, he got out in the last game. But it shouldn’t matter. I think this is Shreyas Iyer’s biggest strength. He wants to get better at what he is not good at,” Ashwin added further.
