Champions Trophy: Ravi Shastri Shortlists NZ Players Who Pose Biggest Threat To India’s Dominance In Final

March 8, 2025: As India prepares for the high-stakes Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday, former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has pinpointed the biggest threats posed by the Blackcaps in the upcoming clash, according to an ICC review.

India is set to face New Zealand in a match that holds significant meaning, as they look to avenge past heartbreaks in the 2000 Champions Trophy and the inaugural World Test Championship final. Shastri, however, is wary of the Blackcaps’ formidable line-up, with young southpaw Rachin Ravindra topping his list of threats.

Ravindra has quickly made a name for himself with his consistency and knack for scoring big runs, especially in high-pressure situations. In New Zealand’s semi-final clash against South Africa, he slammed his fifth ODI century, all of which have come in ICC events. Shastri praised Ravindra’s fluidity and temperament, stating, “I just like the way he moves in the crease. There’s an element of fluency, which is fabulous to see. He’s either forward, back, cutting, sweeping… he plays the quicks well and has a very good temperament. You don’t get hundreds in big tournaments just like that. He’s immensely talented.”

Next, Shastri highlighted the experience of New Zealand’s stalwart, Kane Williamson. The veteran batter, who has been in excellent form, including a memorable 81 against India in the group stage and a brilliant 102 against South Africa, will be crucial to New Zealand’s success in the final. Shastri described Williamson’s composed nature and fluency as key traits: “He’s very stable and there’s an element of calmness, a no-nonsense element about him… the way he moves in the crease, there’s an element of fluency.” He likened Williamson’s style of play to that of other cricketing greats like Joe Root and Virat Kohli, whose sound footwork and talent make them a joy to watch.

In addition to the batting prowess, Shastri mentioned New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, as a potential game-changer. Santner, in his debut tournament as a captain, has been effective both with the ball and bat. Shastri believes Santner’s intelligence and captaincy skills have added a new dimension to his game. “He’s an intelligent man. This captaincy suits him, adding an edge to him as a batter, bowler, and cricketer. He’s a good reader of the game and should be there for some time for New Zealand,” Shastri remarked.

Shastri also gave a special mention to Glenn Phillips, who could prove to be an X-factor in the final. “He might just show flashes of brilliance in the field or come in and smash a cameo of 40-50 and probably surprise you by taking a wicket or two,” he said.

With these key players and their potential to make an impact, India will need to stay sharp in the final if they hope to clinch their first Champions Trophy since 2013 and avenge previous losses to New Zealand.