The pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium is generally balanced, offering help to both batters and bowlers. Teams batting first have a slight advantage, as seen in past matches. However, chasing is also possible, with dew sometimes playing a role in evening games.
Virat Kohli is not a name to take for granted and he proves this in each match he is involved in, with his exceptional ability to deliver on big stages. Virat Kohli has been on a path to his comeback that too in an ICC event. With an average of 72.33 in four matches scoring 217 runs, including a hundred against Pakistan and a 84 runs inning in the semi-finals against Australia. Ignoring Virat Kohli will be a big mistake in this match.
Varun Chakaravarthy has been a surprise package in the tournament, taking 7 wickets in just 2 matches at an exceptional average of 13.00. His mystery spin has bamboozled batters and especially the kiwis who gave away Varun five wickets in the group stage match. Varun took Travis Head’s wicket in the semi-final which was the most important wicket for India to win the match making him a valuable asset in this match as well.
India's pace spearhead, Mohammed Shami, has been in top form, picking up 8 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 19.88. Mohammad Shami is among those few bowlers who can seam the ball with utmost perfection in any phase of the match. He is equally good bowler in death as he is in powerplay. Shami has played a vital role in India's bowling attack and has a history of picking wickets against New Zealand.
Rachin Ravindra has been a revelation for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025, giving his career best performances in ICC tournaments at such a young age. In the semi-final against South Africa, he scored a brilliant century, amassing 108 runs, giving his team the desired start they needed in a big match.
Kane Williamson's batting performances and calmness have been pivotal in New Zealand's journey to the Champions Trophy 2025 final. In the semi-final against South Africa, he scored a vital 102 runs, marking his 15th one-day international century. This innings took him to 19,000 international runs, becoming the first New Zealand player to achieve this milestone.
Matt Henry has been a standout performer in the Champions Trophy 2025, taking 10 wickets in 4 matches at an impressive average of 16.70. Henry has an ability to strike early in the powerplay and maintain pressure on the opposition. With a five wicket to his name against India he’s a lethal weapon in this match as well.
Kuldeep Yadav has had a mixed performance in the Champions Trophy 2025. After delivering a commendable spell against Pakistan, taking 3 wickets for 40 runs, Kuldeep has been out of touch and batters are avoiding him by playing him out and going after other bowlers of India. So, you can take a risk on leaving him out of your team.
Kyle Jamieson recently returned to international cricket after a lengthy injury layoff due to a stress fracture in his back. He was named as an injury replacement for Lockie Ferguson in the Champions Trophy 2025. Kyle is still finding his rhythm in the tournament with the ball in hand.
Kuldeep Yadav has had a mixed performance in the Champions Trophy 2025. After delivering a commendable spell against Pakistan, taking 3 wickets for 40 runs, Kuldeep has been out of touch and batters are avoiding him by playing him out and going after other bowlers of India. So, you can take a risk on leaving him out of your team.
Kyle Jamieson recently returned to international cricket after a lengthy injury layoff due to a stress fracture in his back. He was named as an injury replacement for Lockie Ferguson in the Champions Trophy 2025. Kyle is still finding his rhythm in the tournament with the ball in hand.
Keeper: KL Rahul
Batters: Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Shreyas Iyer, Rachin Ravindra
All-rounders: Mitchell Santner, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel
Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Matt Henry
Keeper: KL Rahul
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell
All-rounders: Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Matt Henry
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