Champions Trophy Final: India V/S New Zealand-Ashwin’s Bold Toss Strategy and Key Contests

Ravichandran Ashwin suggests India shouldn’t aim to win the toss, as he highlights a key battle between Ravindra Jadeja and Kane Williamson that could decide the final.

March 9, 2025: India captain Rohit Sharma has lost 11 consecutive tosses in ODIs, and former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin wants the trend to continue in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand. According to Ashwin, instead of focusing on the toss, Rohit should let New Zealand choose what they want to do, as India has successfully defended and chased in the tournament.

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"India shouldn’t aim to win the toss. I’d say let them lose it, allowing New Zealand to choose what they want to do," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’.

The former off-spinner also believes India are favourites but acknowledges that New Zealand’s bowling attack has troubled India in past ICC tournaments.

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"Personally, I’d say it’s about 54-46 in favor of India. New Zealand is a strong team, and their bowlers have troubled us before, but India has been in great form," Ashwin added.

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🏏 Key Contest: Kane Williamson vs. Ravindra Jadeja

Ashwin also highlighted a key battle that could decide the match—Kane Williamson vs. Ravindra Jadeja. He explained how Jadeja’s pace and accuracy could trouble the New Zealand captain.

"Kane Williamson moves towards the leg stump when facing Jadeja because he knows Jaddu troubles him. He steps out, plays chip shots, and attempts cuts, but Jaddu counters with variations in length and speed. It’s like a Tom and Jerry battle."

Ashwin further added that Jadeja’s unique bowling style makes it extremely difficult to cut or sweep him, which could be Williamson’s undoing.

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"Jaddu bowls quicker than a usual left-arm spinner. You can’t play a traditional sweep against him. His high release point and the revs he gets on the ball make him a serious challenge for Williamson."

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🏆 What to Expect in the Final?

With the Dubai pitch favouring spinners, Ashwin believes India should focus on their strengths, especially Jadeja’s ability to control the middle overs. While New Zealand’s bowling unit is formidable, India’s experience and balanced lineup give them the edge.

Will India lift their third Champions Trophy title, or can New Zealand break their ICC finals curse against the Men in Blue?

🔥 Who do you think will dominate the final?

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