New Zealand skipper talks Henry’s fitness, India’s spin attack, and the toss factor ahead of the high-stakes clash
Dubai [UAE], March 9 – Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy final against India, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner addressed key match aspects, including Matt Henry’s fitness concerns, India’s formidable spin attack, and the impact of the toss at the Dubai venue.
With Henry missing the team’s practice session, speculation about his availability arose. However, Santner clarified that the pacer would undergo a fitness test before a final decision.
“Matt’s going to have a bowl just to see how he is. We’ll make a call after that,” Santner stated during the pre-match press conference.
Facing Varun Chakravarthy – The Mystery Factor
New Zealand batters struggled against India’s ‘mystery spinner’ Varun Chakravarthy in their 44-run defeat during the group stage, with Chakravarthy dismantling the middle and lower order with a five-wicket haul. Acknowledging the challenge posed by his deceptive deliveries, Santner emphasized that his team has learned from their previous encounter.
“Varun is a world-class bowler. We’ve seen it in the IPL, and here too, with that little bit of mystery. Some of our guys faced him for the first time, and I think they’ll be better prepared this time,” he noted.
Santner recalled how Chakravarthy’s 115km/h arm ball completely deceived him.
“That ball got me—it was a real threat. But now we know what to expect,” he added.
Toss Dilemma – A ‘Good Toss to Lose’?
While the toss is expected to play a crucial role in Dubai’s unpredictable conditions, Santner pointed out an intriguing trend—India has lost all four tosses in the tournament yet remains unbeaten.
“It looks like a good toss to lose for Rohit—because they keep winning,” he quipped.
Reflecting on India’s semi-final win over Australia, he praised India’s ability to restrict opponents and chase totals effectively, particularly highlighting Virat Kohli’s masterclass in run chases.
“India squeezed Australia back to 260, and then Kohli—being the chase master—handled the rest,” he explained.
Santner’s Game Plan for the Final
With conditions expected to vary under lights, Santner stressed the importance of executing the game plan efficiently, regardless of whether New Zealand bats or bowls first.
“Whatever we end up doing, we have to do it well for a long period of time. Whether the pitch plays the same or differently, it’s about figuring out what works with both bat and ball and adapting quickly,” he concluded.
With New Zealand determined to overcome India’s dominance and India aiming to extend their unbeaten run, the final promises to be a thrilling battle for cricket supremacy.
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