India vs New Zealand: Three player battles to watch out for in ICC Champions Trophy final clash

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final is set to take place on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Stadium between the Indian Cricket Team and the New Zealand Cricket Team. Both teams have competed fiercely throughout the tournament, showcasing their dominance in the ODI format and proving why they deserve a shot at the prestigious title. The Indian side has remained unbeaten in this tournament, whereas the Black Caps lost only a single match, that to against India in the group stage. 

India has been in sensational form throughout the tournament, displaying a perfect blend of experienced players and young talents. With commanding performances in the group stage and a thrilling victory in the semi-final, the Men in Blue have established themselves as strong contenders for the trophy. Led by an in-form captain, India's batting lineup, featuring stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill, has consistently posted competitive totals. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakravarthy, has been equally effective, dismantling oppositions with precision.

New Zealand, known for their grit and resilience, has once again proven why they are one of the most consistent teams in ICC tournaments. Their disciplined approach and team-first mentality have carried them to yet another ICC final. Kane Williamson has been instrumental in guiding his team with crucial knocks, while bowlers like Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, and Mitchell Santner have provided match-winning spells. As per certain reports, in-form pacer Matt Henry might be ruled out of the final due to a shoulder injury sustained in the semi-final against South Africa.

With both teams hungry for glory, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final promises to be an electrifying contest. India will look to reclaim an ICC trophy after years of near misses in the ODI format, while New Zealand aims to continue its legacy as one of the best tournament teams in world cricket.

Here are three player battles to watch out for in the ICC Champions Trophy final clash:

1: Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Santner

India’s batting maestro, Virat Kohli has been in great form in the following tournament, scoring 217 runs from 4 matches. He is the most reliable Indian batter in high-pressure situations, known for his ability to control chases and anchor the innings. However, New Zealand’s left-arm spinner, Mitchell Santner, has been a tricky customer for Kohli in the past. Santner’s disciplined line and ability to generate turn on slow surfaces make him a serious threat in the middle overs. 

In 16 innings, Virat Kohli has only managed to score 180 runs against Mitchell Santner with a strike rate of 69.49. The batter has been dismissed 3 times from 259 balls faced in the ODI format. Kohli will have to be cautious in how he approaches Santner, as a moment of impatience could result in a soft dismissal. If Santner manages to restrict Kohli’s scoring rate, the pressure could force an error. However, if Kohli gets set, he can counter Santner with precise footwork and strike rotation, eventually dominating the contest.

2: Kane Williamson vs Axar Patel

The backbone of New Zealand’s batting order, Kane Williamson has been a consistent key towards success for the team. His calm and calculated approach makes him the perfect anchor for the middle order. If he gets set, he can bat deep into the innings and take New Zealand to a formidable total. However, India’s left-arm spinner Axar Patel is a master of controlling the middle overs with his accuracy, quick arm action, and sharp turn.

In 5 innings, Kane Williamson has managed to score a total of 78 runs against Axar Patel with a strike rate of 78.78. The batter has been dismissed 2 times from 99 balls faced in the ODI format. Williamson will look to rotate the strike and avoid getting bogged down against Axar. He has a good record against left-arm spinners, using his soft hands and quick footwork to find singles. However, Axar’s pace through the air and ability to skid deliveries through could trap Williamson in front of the stumps if he misjudges the line.

3: Shreyas Iyer vs Will O’Rourke

India’s most consistent middle-order batter, Shreyas Iyer is known for his aggressive stroke play against both pace and spin. He excels at accelerating the innings and taking on bowlers in the middle overs. On the other hand, William O’Rourke, the tall and skiddy New Zealand pacer, has been a revelation in this tournament. With his extra bounce and sharp pace, he has troubled middle-order batters by extracting awkward bounce and hitting hard lengths.

Shreyas Iyer has managed to score a total of 26 runs against Will O’Rourke with a strike rate of 162.50. Rourke dismissed him in the only game played against him from 16 balls faced in the ODI format. O’Rourke will likely use the short ball to target Iyer, who has occasionally struggled against deliveries rising towards his body. If O’Rourke can hurry him with a well-directed bouncer, there’s a chance of Iyer mistiming a pull or fending a catch to the close-in fielders. However, if Iyer gets set, he can counter the short-ball ploy with his attacking instinct, using his strong wrists to play the pull and flick effectively.