New Delhi [India], March 9: As India gears up to face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9, former cricketers are predicting a highly competitive match between the two sides. India remains unbeaten in the tournament, while New Zealand has displayed strong performances with both bat and ball under Mitchell Santner’s leadership.
Virat Kohli’s former coach, Raj Kumar Sharma, expressed his belief that the final would be a “tough competition” between two highly skilled teams. “Two very good teams have reached the finals. I feel that it will be tough competition. Both teams are playing very good cricket…now that the temperature has increased, the pitch will be dry…the spinners will have the advantage,” Sharma said in an interview with ANI.
In addition to Sharma, former Indian cricketer Pravin Amre lauded Rohit Sharma’s leadership and the performances of key Indian batters like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill in the ongoing tournament. “It is a big day… We played well throughout the tournament. Rohit has displayed good leadership… Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill have performed extremely well,” Amre commented. He also praised the experience of Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya, who have been vital finishers for the team. “A win is always a by-product of good cricket, and we have to play well for another 100 overs,” he added.
Bipul Sharma, a former Indian Premier League (IPL) player and first-class cricketer, also weighed in on the final, noting that the match would be a “tough” contest for both teams. Reflecting on his experience playing in Dubai, Sharma highlighted the challenging nature of the pitch. “The games there are a little low-scoring…if the team which is batting first scores 270 runs, it will be difficult for the second team to chase, but if they play well, then they can,” he explained.
With high stakes and both teams in top form, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final promises to be a thrilling encounter.