Champions Trophy: Coach Gary Stead Hails Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson And Glenn Phillips Ahead Of Final Against India

March 7, 2025: Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy final against India at Dubai, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead praised the team's top batters, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, for their standout performances in the tournament. Stead also expressed his pride in Rachin's ability to score brisk yet low-risk runs, while highlighting Williamson's knack for rising to the occasion in big matches.

The final match on March 9 at the Dubai International Stadium promises to be an exciting encounter. India has remained undefeated in the tournament, while New Zealand has been solid with both bat and ball under the leadership of Mitchell Santner. This clash holds special significance, as it serves as a sequel to the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy final, in which New Zealand triumphed. India will be seeking revenge for their losses to New Zealand in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal and the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final.

Stead expressed his admiration for Rachin, who has been one of New Zealand’s emerging all-format stars. Rachin impressed everyone with his performance in the 50-over World Cup in India, where he scored 578 runs across 10 matches. In the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, Rachin has continued his strong run, making 226 runs in four matches, including two centuries, with an impressive average of 75.33. His ability to score quickly yet without taking undue risks, coupled with his handy left-arm spin, makes him an important player for New Zealand.

Stead also spoke highly of Kane Williamson, praising his ability to rise to big occasions. Despite a slow start to the tournament with two low scores, Williamson found his form with a crucial 81 against India and followed it up with a century in the semifinals. In four matches, Williamson has scored 189 runs at an average of 47.25 and is ranked as one of the top run-scorers of the tournament.

Stead also lauded the all-round contributions of Glenn Phillips, who has been a standout player in multiple aspects of the game. Phillips has been quick with the bat, taking crucial wickets, and pulling off stunning catches. One of his most memorable moments came when he dismissed India’s Virat Kohli during the group stage match in Dubai. Stead commended Phillips' exceptional fielding skills, saying, "He loves fielding as much as anyone I've seen, and his unique ability to get off the ground is truly remarkable."

Phillips has been in exceptional form, with 143 runs in four matches at an average of 71.50 and a strike rate of 71.50. He has also taken two wickets and registered four catches, which is the second-most in the tournament.

As New Zealand prepares for the final, the focus will be on the contributions from these key players as they look to take on the powerful Indian team in what promises to be an unforgettable final showdown.