Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes New Zealand will be the most dangerous threat for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final. The renowned commentator highlighted that the Kiwis have a team, which can beat India.
The Blackcaps have beaten Pakistan, Bangladesh and South Africa in the ongoing tournament. However, they suffered a 44-run loss against India in the group stage match after Varun Chakravarthy bagged a five-wicket haul.
Chopra reckons New Zealand is one of those teams which can challenge India in spin-friendly conditions. The Kiwis have spinners like Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips. The renowned commentator also recalled that New Zealand stunned India by 3-0 in the Test series while playing in India in 2024.
“A big question is – Can New Zealand be the most dangerous threat for India? I think yes. After India, if there is any excellent team for these conditions, it’s either New Zealand or Afghanistan. No other team has that much might, let’s be very honest, when we talk about these conditions,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“I am not undermining anyone, but the truth is that South Africa would have got stuck in these conditions. They would have got stuck if the ball had turned. New Zealand also got stuck once, but they do have the team. They came to India and won three Test matches. They won on turning pitches,” Chopra added.
Chopra highlighted that New Zealand has a decent spin attack and they can trouble India.
“They have three good spinners. Rachin Ravindra picked up a wicket yesterday. So you can assume he too can bowl. Glenn Phillips can also bowl and Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell bowl in any case. So you have got four spinners. After that, you have three decent fast bowlers,” he observed.
The renowned commentator reckons New Zealand can play Devon Conway in place of Will Young.
“I also feel they could play Devon Conway in place of Will Young if they wish. Or else, play both Will Young and Devon Conway, drop a fast bowler, and get more overs out of Glenn Phillips as they would have four spinners and two fast bowlers,” he said.
India will take on New Zealand in the summit clash of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday.
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