IND vs NZ, CT 2025 final preview: Can India overcome New Zealand to reclaim title after 12 years?

After 12 long years, India is on the verge of reclaiming the ICC Champions Trophy, with the final match against New Zealand set to take place on Sunday. Despite a history of struggles against the Kiwis, who hold a 10-6 lead over India in ICC tournaments, the Men in Blue are prepared to rise above their emotional baggage, especially the pressure surrounding cricketing stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Also read: IND vs NZ, Champions Trophy 2025: Kohli to Chakravarthy - 6 Indian players who could shine in the final

New Zealand, often a thorn in India’s side, also boasts a 3-1 advantage in ICC knockout matches, and this has been a cause for concern. However, India's current form and the opportunity to play on a familiar pitch may give them the upper hand, with a well-balanced spin attack capable of exploiting the sluggish conditions.

IND vs NZ Preview: Spin Attack: India's Secret Weapon

India's bowling unit has been built around the combination of wrist spinners and all-rounders, with Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav leading the charge in the spin department. Both have proven adept at bamboozling opposition batters, while Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel have been instrumental in tying down the opposition with their accurate, methodical bowling.

Should the final be played on the same surface used for the India-Pakistan game, India’s spin quartet could wreak havoc on the New Zealand batters. The Kiwis, however, are not to be underestimated. Captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips are their own spin specialists, having inflicted significant damage on India during the Test series last year. With their own hopes of clinching a first ICC ODI title since 2000, New Zealand will rely heavily on their spinners to counter India’s potent attack.

IND vs NZ Preview: Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra - New Zealand’s Hopefuls

In the face of India's spin strength, New Zealand’s best chance lies with Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, who have shown remarkable skill against slow bowling. Williamson, in particular, will be crucial in anchoring the Kiwi innings, and his ability to handle pressure will be tested as New Zealand looks to end a 25-year ICC ODI title drought.

Also read: IND vs NZ, Champions Trophy 2025: Can Kane Williamson end his ICC final jinx against the Men in Blue?

IND vs NZ Preview: A Potential Final Act for Kohli and Rohit?

For India, the final could very well mark the end of an era with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both stalwarts have been central to India’s success, particularly during their triumphant T20 World Cup campaign last year. While Kohli has been in sublime form, scoring a century and two fifties in his last five innings, Rohit has struggled to find consistency. Having been content with small cameos, Rohit will need to step up and deliver a substantial knock in the final.

With the looming injury concern over New Zealand's pacer Matt Henry, who has often troubled Rohit with his bounce and movement, the Indian opener may find some relief. However, Rohit will need to make an immediate adjustment to help take the pressure off India's middle order.

IND vs NZ Preview: Time for the Second-Line Players to Step Up

While Kohli and Rohit will be crucial to India’s success, the team’s vice-captain Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya must also deliver in the final. Gill and Shreyas have shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the tournament, and Rahul and Pandya made significant contributions in the semifinal against Australia. India will need their second-line players to fire on all cylinders to ensure an emphatic finish to what has been an exceptional campaign so far.

IND vs NZ Preview: A Story of Destiny Awaits in the Arabian Lands

As India looks to add another prestigious ICC title to their name, the anticipation is palpable. The stage is set, and the fairytale ending beckons. With the right balance between experience and youthful exuberance, India is determined to finish their journey in the Arabian lands with a Champions Trophy victory, while New Zealand will be out to spoil the party and claim their first ICC ODI title in 25 years.