Will NZ trouble India in CT final? Ravi Shastri opines
What's the story
Former head coach of the Indian cricket team Ravi Shastri has tipped New Zealand as a potential threat to India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final.
Speaking in a video shared by 'The ICC Review,' Shastri said that while India are favorites, NZ should not be underestimated.
"If there's one team that can beat India, it's New Zealand," he said.
The two teams will face off for the second time in this tournament on March 9 in Dubai.
Gamechangers
Key players to watch in the final
Shastri also named Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson as potential game-changers for their teams.
"Now (on) current form, Kohli. When these guys get hot and you let them get their first 10 runs, then they're trouble. Whether it's Williamson or Kohli," he said.
He also highlighted New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra as a potential game-changer, calling him a fabulous young talent.
Notably, all three players have scored at least one century in the tournament so far.
PMOTM
Shastri's picks for potential Player of the Match
Shastri also shared his thoughts on who could be named Player Of The Match. He said all-rounders could walk away with this award.
From India's side, he picked Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, while Glenn Phillips from New Zealand was also a contender in his eyes.
"Player of the Match, I would go for an all-rounder. I'll say Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja from India. From New Zealand, I think that Glenn Phillips has something up," he stated.
Kiwi stars
Shastri's thoughts on New Zealand's key players
Shastri also emphasized four New Zealand players who could make a difference in the final.
He described captain Mitchell Santner as an "intelligent" leader and Glenn Phillips as the team's X-factor.
He praised Williamson for his "stability and calmness like a saint" and Ravindra, whom he called "immensely talented."
These players could prove to be game-changers in the much-anticipated match.
Top batters
A look at top batters from both teams
For India, Kohli tops the list of batters with 217 runs at 72.33 (one hundred and fifty each).
He is followed by Shreyas Iyer, who has managed 195 runs at 48.75 (two fifties).
For the Kiwis, Ravindra leads the list of batters with 226 runs at 75.33, including two hundreds.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he is trailed by Tom Latham, who owns 191 runs at 63.66 (one fifty and hundred each).
Top bowlers
The top two bowlers from each team
New Zealand's Matt Henry is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with 10 scalps at 16.70.
The Black Caps' skipper, Santner trails Henry among NZ bowlers with seven scalps at 27.71.
For India, Mohammed Shami tops the list of bowlers with eight wickets at 19.87.
Meanwhile, India's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy follows Shami with seven wickets at 13.