The stage is set for an epic showdown in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, with India and New Zealand gearing up to face off on March 9th in Dubai. Having defeated Australia in the semi-finals, the Indian team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, is looking to make a statement. The Kiwis, on the other hand, are riding high after their semi-final win over South Africa. This isn’t the first time these two teams have met in a Champions Trophy final – they clashed back in 2000, with New Zealand emerging victorious. This time around, Team India is hungry for revenge.
As we look ahead to the final, the big question on everyone’s mind is: what will India’s playing eleven look like? One thing’s for sure – the opening duo of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma is likely to remain unchanged. Gill has been in scintillating form, scoring a century and consistently producing runs, while Sharma has been impressive with his aggressive batting. At number three, the inimitable Virat Kohli is expected to take the field. With 217 runs under his belt in just four matches, Kohli is the top run-scorer for India in the tournament, and his team will be counting on him to deliver another big performance.
A Possible Middle Order
At number four, Shreyas Iyer is likely to get the nod. Iyer has been a rock for India’s batting order, producing some outstanding innings and notching up two half-centuries. The fifth spot could go to all-rounder Axar Patel, who brings a unique combination of aggressive batting and useful bowling skills to the table. With the ability to accelerate the run rate and contribute 10 overs with the ball, Axar could be a game-changer. As for the wicketkeeping duties, KL Rahul is likely to take over, bringing his trademark composure and reliability behind the stumps.
Pace and Spin Attack
When it comes to the pace attack, Mohammed Shami is the likely choice to lead the charge. With his wealth of experience and ability to turn the game on its head with just a few deliveries, Shami is a potent force. Hardik Pandya could be the second seamer, with his ability to generate pace and bounce. In the spin department, Ravindra Jadeja and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to share the responsibilities. Varun has been impressive with his skills, and his selection could add a new dimension to India’s attack.
A Twist in the Tale
However, there’s a twist in the tale – will captain Rohit Sharma opt to drop spinner Kuldeep Yadav and bring in Harshit Rana? Kuldeep has managed just five wickets in the tournament so far and has gone wicketless against Australia and Bangladesh. This could be a tough call for the Indian captain, as he weighs the pros and cons of sticking with his trusted combination versus experimenting with a new face.
India’s Probable Playing Eleven
So, what does India’s probable playing eleven look like? Here’s a possible line-up: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, and either Kuldeep Yadav or Harshit Rana. One thing’s for sure – this final promises to be an absolute cracker, with both teams hungry for victory and ready to give it their all.