When Rohit Sharma-led Team India steps onto the field at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 9, to face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, they will have one more goal besides winning the title—avenging their 25-year-old defeat against the Kiwis.
This will be the second time India and New Zealand clash in a Champions Trophy final. The first encounter was in 2000, in Nairobi, where India lost by four wickets. Now, after 25 years, the Indian players are eager to take revenge and claim the prestigious trophy for the third time.
India Reaches Champions Trophy Final for the Third Consecutive Time
This is India’s third straight Champions Trophy final appearance. They won the title in 2013 by defeating England, but in 2017, they suffered a loss to Pakistan in the final. With another chance in 2025, India is determined to lift the trophy once again.
So far, India has won all its matches in the tournament, and they will aim to finish their campaign on a high note by defeating New Zealand. For the final, India is expected to field its strongest playing XI.
India’s Batting Line-up in Top Form
In the final, Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill will open the innings. Both have performed brilliantly in the tournament. Gill has scored 157 runs in four matches, while Virat Kohli, batting at No. 3, has been in sensational form with 217 runs in four games, including a century against Pakistan and a match-winning 84 against Australia.
In the middle order, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have been India’s saviors in tough situations. Iyer has consistently scored fifties, accumulating 195 runs in four matches, while KL Rahul has played crucial knocks as a finisher.
At No. 5, all-rounder Axar Patel has provided stability to the team. He has also been an economical bowler and plays a key role in accelerating the scoring rate when needed.
All-rounders Hold the Key in the Final
All-rounders will play a crucial role in the final, and India’s trio of Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja could be the game-changers. These players contribute in all departments and can turn the match in India’s favor at any moment.
However, there is uncertainty over Kuldeep Yadav’s spot in the XI. While Varun Chakravarthy is almost certain to play, Kuldeep’s place is doubtful. Chakravarthy had taken a five-wicket haul against New Zealand in the league stage, making him a key bowler for India.
India’s Bowling Attack for the Final
Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami will once again lead India’s pace attack. Hardik Pandya could be the second seamer, but reports suggest that Harshit Rana might get a place in the XI. If Rana is included, Kuldeep Yadav might be dropped as he has only managed five wickets in the tournament so far, with no wickets against Australia and Bangladesh.
Probable Playing XI for the IND vs NZ Final
India’s Predicted Playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill (VC)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav / Harshit Rana
- Mohammed Shami
- Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI:
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (WK)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- William O’Rourke
