Champions Trophy: Ashwin sees Williamson-Jadeja duel as game-changer in final
What's the story
Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin views the Kane Williamson vs Ravindra Jadeja duel as a potential game-changer in the 2025 Champions Trophy final.
The India and New Zealand clash for the title will take place at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9.
Meanwhile, the former Indian spinner shared his thoughts on his Hindi YouTube channel, 'Ash Ki Baat.'
"If you are a cricket connoisseur, then Kane Williamson vs. Ravindra Jadeja is the most fascinating battle," Ashwin stated.
Tactical approach
Williamson's strategy against Jadeja
Ashwin also spoke about how Williamson changes his batting technique to tackle Jadeja's bowling.
He said, "While facing Jadeja, Williamson moves toward leg stump because he knows Jaddu is troubling him."
Ashwin also mentioned that the Kiwi batter occasionally steps out and plays the chip shot just over the bowler or extra cover.
This tactical change shows the fierce battle between these two elite players.
Rivalry
Ashwin compares Williamson-Jadeja duel to Tom and Jerry
Ashwin compared the Williamson-Jadeja rivalry to a game of cat and mouse.
He said, "Williamson wants to get on top of Jadeja. On the other hand, Jaddu too varies his length and speed."
This comparison highlights the strategic depth of their contest in the final match.
"They are like Tom and Jerry in the middle. This contest can decide the outcome of the game," he added.
Ashwin added that this duel could be decisive for the game's outcome.
Bowling technique
Jadeja's unique bowling style
Ashwin praised Jadeja's unique bowling style, calling him quicker than a typical left-arm spinner.
He said, "It is difficult to play the cut shot against Jaddu and literally impossible to sweep him."
Ashwin noted that while Williamson handled Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav well and fell to Axar Patel, Jadeja proved to be his toughest challenge during the India-NZ match in the league stage last week.
Numbers
Williamson and Jadeja's ODI and 2025 CT numbers
Williamson has amassed 7,224 runs in 172 ODIs at an average of 49.47, with 15 hundreds and 47 fifties.
In the ongoing Champions Trophy, he has scored 189 runs in four innings.
Meanwhile, Jadeja has 230 wickets at 35.43 in 195 ODI innings (seven four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls).
In this tournament, he has taken four wickets (four innings).
According to ESPNcricinfo, Williamson has scored 159 runs against Jadeja in nine ODI innings, falling to him twice.