Champions Trophy Final: Former India Coach Shastri Names Three Kiwi Stars Who Could Trouble India

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Champions Trophy Final: Former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri has set the stage for an intense ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final, pinpointing three New Zealand players as the biggest threats to India’s title hopes.

With the Dubai International Stadium set to host the grand showdown on Sunday, Shastri’s insights offer a clear warning for Rohit Sharma’s men—underestimating the Black Caps could be a costly mistake.

Rachin Ravindra – The Young Dynamo

At just 25, Rachin Ravindra has already carved out a reputation as a big-match player. His century against South Africa in the semi-final marked his fifth ton in ICC men’s 50-over tournaments—an achievement that speaks volumes about his temperament and skill. Shastri was all praise for the Kiwi opener, calling him a rare talent with a complete batting package.

“I just like the way he moves in the crease,” Shastri said on The ICC Review. “There's an element of fluency, which is fabulous to see. He's either forward, he's back, he'll cut, he'll sweep it, play the quicks well, and he's got a very good temperament.”

Shastri’s words are not just flattery. Ravindra’s ability to soak up pressure and play match-defining knocks makes him a major hurdle for India. The Men in Blue will need a foolproof plan to counter the stylish left-hander if they are to lift the trophy.

Kane Williamson – The Wise Old General

If Ravindra is New Zealand’s fearless prodigy, Kane Williamson is their steadying force. A man of few words but immense impact, Williamson’s leadership and batting prowess make him the glue that holds the Black Caps together. Shastri compared him to cricket’s finest technicians, including Joe Root and Virat Kohli.

“He's very stable and there's an element of calmness, a no-nonsense element about him the way he goes about his job,” Shastri observed. “He's like a saint, a sage, just sitting, meditating. Lot of people look at the big shots, I look at the way he moves in the crease. There's an element of fluency.”

With scores of 81 against India and 102 against South Africa in the tournament, Williamson has hit peak form at the right time. India’s bowlers will need to break his rhythm early if they want to avoid the damage he can inflict.

Mitchell Santner – The Captain with the Midas Touch

New Zealand’s decision to hand the captaincy to Mitchell Santner has paid rich dividends. The all-rounder has handled the pressure of leading his side in an ICC event with remarkable composure, contributing both with the bat and ball.

“He's an intelligent man. And I think this captaincy suits him,” Shastri noted. “It just adds that edge to him as a batter, as a bowler, as a cricketer.”

With the Dubai pitch expected to favour spinners, Santner could be the game-changer. If he manages to put India’s middle order under the pump, New Zealand’s chances of lifting their first-ever Champions Trophy will skyrocket.

India vs New Zealand – The Rivalry Continues

India’s dominant run in the Champions Trophy has been reminiscent of their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign, where they reached the final unbeaten. However, the painful loss to Australia in that final remains fresh, and Rohit Sharma’s men will be determined not to repeat history.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have played party spoilers for India on multiple occasions in ICC events. Despite their loss to India in the group stage, they had the Indian team in trouble at 249-9, showing they have the firepower to challenge the tournament favourites.

The stage is set, the stakes are sky-high, and with Shastri’s warning about New Zealand’s biggest threats, India must bring their A-game if they want to be crowned champions.