Ahead of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium, cricketer Arshdeep Singh’s coach, Jaswant Rai, expressed his belief that India holds the upper hand in the final. With the pitch conditions expected to favor the bowlers, Rai feels India’s well-rounded squad, which boasts exceptional batting depth and match-winning bowlers, will lead them to victory.
India, undefeated in the group stage with six points, defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in their previous encounter, where Varun Chakravarthy’s brilliant 5-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award. Rai emphasized that India’s strength lies in its balanced team and the presence of multiple match-winners throughout the lineup.
Speaking to ANI, Rai stated, “India has the upper hand in today’s match. The condition of the pitches is going to support Team India. We have excellent depth in both batting and bowling. Our 6-7 players are match-winners, and our bowlers have been doing well. I am confident India will easily win.”
While Rai acknowledged that New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra are adept at playing spin, having gained experience through the IPL, he maintained that India’s spin attack would be the deciding factor. “We have four spinners: Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, all in good form. If India scores 275-280 runs, it will be a winning total,” he added.
In addition to Rai’s insights, bronze medalist boxer Manisha Moun also voiced her support for India, expressing her hope for a dominant performance from the team, particularly Virat Kohli. “I want to see India winning the match… The Indian team is very confident, and Virat Kohli will hopefully play very well,” said Moun.
With both teams set to clash in an exciting final, all eyes will be on how India handles New Zealand’s challenge, especially in spin-friendly conditions.