As Team India prepares to face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, cricket enthusiasts from all over the country are eagerly backing the Men in Blue, hoping for a historic title win after 12 years.
Ahead of the much-anticipated final, a young Indian fan from Warangal shared their unwavering confidence in the team’s ability to clinch the trophy, wishing them all the best. “Wish you all the best, India. Virat, go on, you are our inspiration,” the fan said in an interview with ANI.
Similarly, fans from Mumbai also expressed their optimism, predicting a victory celebration across the city. “India will win. Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and even Rohit Sharma will score today. New Zealand bowlers deliver pull-shot balls, and Rohit Sharma excels at those. The Champions Trophy will be brought home, and a victory march will be held at Marine Drive,” one fan commented. Another Mumbai fan emphasized that India should bat first, as chasing could be tricky on the Dubai pitch. “India will win if they put up a big total in the first innings. Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill will score,” the fan added.
With India looking to add another ICC title to their collection, all eyes will be on how they counter New Zealand’s challenge in what promises to be a thrilling final. India remains unbeaten in the tournament, while New Zealand has shown remarkable consistency under captain Mitchell Santner.
The match is set to be a thrilling sequel to the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy final, where New Zealand emerged victorious. India will also be keen to avenge their defeats to the Black Caps in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal and the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final.
In their most recent encounter, India claimed a 44-run victory over New Zealand, posting 249 runs and dismissing their opponents for 205 in the 46th over. While spin has been crucial in UAE conditions, Kiwi pacer Matt Henry shone with figures of 5/42 in eight overs. For India, Shreyas Iyer top-scored with a steady 79 off 98 balls.