Champions Trophy: Will Young Says, ‘New Zealand’s Class Of 2025 Ready To Follow In Footsteps Of Their Heroes’ Ahead Of Final Showdown Against India

March 8, 2025: Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against India in Dubai, New Zealand opener Will Young expressed his excitement and determination to emulate the success of their predecessors from the 2000 Champions Trophy. Back then, New Zealand defeated India by four wickets in the final in Kenya, a historic victory that continues to inspire generations of Kiwis.

As New Zealand prepares for the high-stakes showdown with India, Young, who was just eight years old when the 2000 victory took place, recalled the significance of that moment in shaping his love for the game. “There were some iconic names in that squad, and those are the ones plenty of guys in this squad looked up to back in the day. It is cool to be trying to achieve the same thing 25 years later,” said Young.

In a recent media interaction, the 32-year-old opener shared how the memories of New Zealand’s 2000 triumph continue to motivate him and his teammates. Young fondly recalled a meeting before the Champions Trophy squad was unveiled, where former player Scott Styris shared stories about the team’s exploits in the 2000 tournament. “It was cool to recognize the past and that New Zealand has done this before. It is just about passing the baton, and hopefully, we can emulate them in a couple of days,” Young said.

With their star-studded squad and standout performances, including centuries from Young and Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand has arrived at the final with confidence. However, Young also acknowledged the importance of learning from their earlier encounter with India in the group stage, which they lost in Dubai. He emphasized the opportunity to analyze India’s approach to the game and adapt accordingly in the final.

“We’ll look to be able to adjust and adapt to whatever challenges are in front of us on Sunday and hope the game we’ve got and the nerve that we hold will be enough,” Young concluded, as the Kiwis look to make history by clinching their second Champions Trophy title, 25 years after their maiden triumph.