Big Changes in India’s Playing XI for Champions Trophy Final? Gavaskar Backs 4-Spinner Strategy

Cricket legend highlights areas for improvement but urges India to stick to their winning formula.

March 7, Dubai: As India prepares for the Champions Trophy 2025 final, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has shared his insights on potential changes to the Playing XI.

While India has been unbeaten throughout the tournament and dominated Australia in the semi-final, Gavaskar believes there are still key areas to improve ahead of the title clash against New Zealand.

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Gavaskar Identifies Key Concerns in India’s Performance

Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar pointed out that while India’s bowling attack has restricted runs, the lack of wickets in the middle overs could be a concern.

He also noted that India’s opening partnerships have been inconsistent, and the pace attack hasn’t delivered early breakthroughs.

“When you look at the openers, they haven’t quite provided the kind of start India had hoped for. That has been a shortcoming. Even with the new ball, in the first 10 overs, you ideally want 2-3 wickets, and that hasn’t happened consistently,” he explained.

“In the middle overs, we haven’t got enough wickets, even though runs have been contained. If India improves in these areas, it will significantly boost their chances of winning the final,” Gavaskar added.

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“Stick with 4 Spinners” – Gavaskar’s Verdict on Playing XI

Despite some concerns, Gavaskar firmly opposed making any changes to India’s winning combination, particularly in the bowling attack.

He backed the decision to play 4 spinners, highlighting the effectiveness of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav in restricting runs and taking crucial wickets.

“I think it has to be 4 spinners. Why change now? The inclusion of Chakravarthy and Kuldeep has proven how effective they can be,” he said.

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Gavaskar also emphasized the importance of wicket-taking deliveries in limited-overs cricket, arguing that India’s spinners have provided game-changing breakthroughs throughout the tournament.

“Wicket-taking balls are the best dot balls in any format of the game. Our spinners have been doing that, so there should be no change at all,” he concluded.

India vs New Zealand – A High-Stakes Final

With India aiming to maintain their perfect record and New Zealand looking to overcome the ‘Dubai advantage’, the Champions Trophy final promises to be an intense battle.

Will India’s spin-heavy attack prove decisive, or will New Zealand’s adaptability challenge their dominance? The answer will unfold on March 9 in Dubai.