ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Three Player Battles to watch out in India vs New Zealand match

The Champions Trophy group stages are about to end, with the final clash set to be played between India and New Zealand on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. Both sides have already qualified for the semi-finals, but tomorrow’s game will determine which team finishes in what order in the group. India and New Zealand have had quite a rivalry in ICC events over the recent past, with the Blackcaps often being the bogey team for the two-time world champions. India have been eliminated twice by New Zealand at world events, but they exacted some revenge in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final. Who will come out on top this time?

Here’s a look at three player battles to focus on ahead of the India vs New Zealand clash in the Champions Trophy. 

1. Virat Kohli vs Mitch Santner

Before the Champions Trophy began, there were questions over Virat Kohli’s form, but the former Indian skipper silenced his critics with a superb century in a controlled run chase over Pakistan. He would be rearing to get another big score but will face a much sterner test this time against New Zealand. Skipper Mitch Santner has been their most consistent bowler and should enjoy bowling on the slow, spinny tracks of Dubai. 

Kohli has been dismissed thrice by Santner in ODIs, but still boasts a solid average of 60 against the left-arm spinner. His strike rate though takes a dip against Santner, as he strikes at just under 70. Santner also dismissed Kohli twice in a 30-ball period in the Test matches last year. Virat Kohli has been dismissed by spinners in all ODI games since the 2023 World Cup, so it would be interesting to see how he goes about things against Mitch Santner. 

2. Rohit Sharma vs Matt Henry

India’s fate in ICC games have in a way been dictated by how Rohit Sharma fares against Matt Henry with the new ball. In the 2019 semi-final, Sharma fell prey to the Kiwi bowler’s swing as India were stuck at 2/3 and stumbled along in their attempts to chase. However, Rohit Sharma went on the offensive in the group game at Dharamshala against New Zealand in 2023, upsetting the bowler’s rhythm. He smacked 20 runs off 10 balls against Henry on that occasion, setting up the chase for India. 

Rohit Sharma has an average of 23 against Matt Henry and has been dismissed twice by the Kiwi pacer. Rohit’s early acceleration is key to the way India play and Henry being the most experienced pacer for this New Zealand team would be key to their success. Who will come out on top this Sunday? 

3. Kane Williamson vs Kuldeep Yadav

Kane Williamson is the most experienced batter in this New Zealand team and would hold the key to his side’s chances against a top opponent like India. He averages 44.12 against India in ODIs, and one hundred and 10 fifties against them. Williamson has not really turned up for the Champions Trophy so far, with two single-digit scores and would be looking to make amends against India. 

Williamson’s key nemesis for Sunday would be India’s Kuldeep Yadav. Williamson has scored 41 runs against the left-arm wrist spinner but has been dismissed twice by Kuldeep. He averages a meager 20.5 against Kuldeep Yadav but would be looking to better that record come Sunday.