Gary Stead counts on Kane Williamson for Champions Trophy final
What's the story
New Zealand's head coach, Gary Stead, is banking on the experience of Kane Williamson for their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against India.
The match will be played on Sunday, March 9.
Williamson, a 34-year-old veteran, has been a key member of NZ's squad in all formats.
He hopes to guide his side to their first ICC 50-over title since the ICC Knockouts Trophy (2000).
"He's a guy that rises for the big occasion," Stead stated in a press conference.
Spin challenge
Williamson's performance crucial against India's spin attack
New Zealand will have a major task on their hands against India's lethal spin attack featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav.
The four have the ability to trump even the best of batsmen.
Although New Zealand had a tough time against this spin unit in the group stage, Stead is hopeful of his team's chances in the final.
Notably, India defeated NZ by 44 runs, during which the spinners shared nine wickets between them.
Key player
Williamson's track record against spin bolsters New Zealand's hopes
Williamson's phenomenal numbers against spin bowlers make him a key player for New Zealand in the final.
As per ESPNcricinfo, Williamson owns 2,952 runs at 50.89 versus spinners in ODIs. He has been dismissed 58 times from 130 innings.
Stead was confident Williamson would rise to the occasion and adjust quickly to different pitches, saying, "He seems to be able to do that faster than many other players, so fingers crossed from our perspective that Kane has a big day."
Tactical approach
New Zealand's strategy to counter India's spin-heavy lineup
Stead expects India to stick with their four-spinner strategy in the final, a tactic he calls "challenging."
He feels his side is well-prepared for this challenge, having a balanced squad.
However, instead of hoping for an off day from India's spin unit, Stead stresses taking them on directly.
"We're certainly up for that, up for that challenge, and that's what India will bring. We know that they've got four very capable spinners," Stead further added.
Journey
India's road to the 2025 Champions Trophy final
The Men in Blue kickstarted their 2025 CT campaign with a dominant six-wicket win over Bangladesh.
The win was fueled by Mohammed Shami's 5/53 and Gill's (101*).
They then beat arch-rivals Pakistan by six wickets, thanks to Virat Kohli's (100*) and Kuldeep's 3/40.
In their last group game against New Zealand, Rohit's men beat NZ by 44 runs on the back of Chakravarthy's 5/42.
Meanwhile, Kohli's 84-run knock and spinners' brilliance secured India's four-wicket win over Australia in the semifinal.
NZ's journey
A look NZ's journey to the CT finals
The Kiwis started their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign with a dominant win over Pakistan, winning by 60 runs, thanks to tons from Tom Latham and Will Young.
In their second game, they beat Bangladesh by five wickets on the back of Michael Bracewell's four-fer and Rachin Ravindra's ton.
They lost their last group game against India by 44 runs but bounced back with a 50-run win against South Africa in the semifinal (Ravindra smashed a ton).
Information
Williamson's ODI stats versus India
In 30 matches (29 innings), Williamson averages 45.48 against Team India (ODIs). He owns 1,228 runs with the help of 11 fifties and a ton.