Dubai [UAE]: Ahead of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand in Dubai on March 9, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has made bold predictions, suggesting that the Player of the Match award is likely to go to an all-rounder. He highlighted players like Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Glenn Phillips as potential game-changers.
Shastri’s Player of the Match Prediction
Speaking to host Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review, Shastri emphasized the impact all-rounders can have on the match.
“Player of the Match, I would go for an all-rounder. I’ll say Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja from India. From New Zealand, I think that Glenn Phillips has something up. He might just show flashes of brilliance in the field. He might come and smash a cameo of 40, 50 and probably surprise you by taking a wicket or two,” Shastri said.
Glenn Phillips has been in stellar form, smashing a quickfire 49 off 27 balls and picking up two wickets in the semi-final against South Africa. His athleticism in the field, including two spectacular catches, makes him a significant threat to India.
Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja: Key for India
Both Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja have been instrumental in India’s campaign, forming a crucial part of the spin attack alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy. Their ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds depth and flexibility to the Indian lineup.
Shastri’s call for an all-rounder to shine is backed by the Dubai pitch conditions, which have so far favored spin in the tournament.
Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra: Game-Changers
Shastri also named Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra as potential match-winners, emphasizing their ability to turn games around once they settle at the crease.
“Now (on) current form, Kohli. When these guys get hot, and you let them get their first 10 runs, then they’re trouble. Whether it’s Williamson or Kohli, so, from New Zealand, I would say Williamson. To an extent, Rachin Ravindra is a fabulous young player,” Shastri stated.
Both Kohli and Williamson have been in red-hot form, with a fifty and a century each in the tournament, while Rachin Ravindra has scored two centuries, including a Player of the Match-winning century against South Africa in the semi-final.
Pitch Conditions and Potential Changes in Playing XI
The Dubai International Stadium pitch has been spinner-friendly, which might influence team selections for the final. Shastri hinted at potential changes in the playing XI depending on the surface.
“I won’t be surprised if there might be a change for either side depending on the pitch. The pitch we saw against Australia was the best pitch we’ve seen in the tournament,” Shastri added.
He also mentioned that if the pitch is similar to the one used against Australia—supporting scores of 280-300—teams might reconsider their strategies.
India vs New Zealand: A Rivalry Renewed
India remains undefeated in the tournament, while New Zealand has looked solid under Mitchell Santner’s captaincy. This final is a rematch of the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy final, which New Zealand won, and a chance for India to avenge losses to the Blackcaps in the 2019 ICC World Cup semifinal and the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final.
Shastri acknowledged New Zealand’s threat, stating:
“If there’s one team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand. So India start as favourites but only just,” he concluded.
Squads for the Final
India Squad:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand Squad:
Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Daryl Mitchell, Nathan Smith, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy.
The stage is set for an epic final between two world-class teams, with all-rounders expected to play a pivotal role. The battle between India’s spinners and New Zealand’s adaptable batting lineup could prove decisive.