IND vs NZ Final, Champions Trophy 2025: 'Cup is coming home!' Indian fans celebrate after Matt Henry misses out due to injury

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New Zealand suffered a major setback ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 final against India as their star pacer Matt Henry was ruled out due to injury. Indian fans, sensing an advantage, erupted in celebration, declaring that the "Cup is coming home!"

Henry, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, sustained a shoulder injury while attempting a catch in the semi-final against South Africa. Although New Zealand's management had been hopeful about his fitness, he failed a last-minute test before the toss. As soon as New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner confirmed Henry's absence, Indian fans took to social media to rejoice.

One fan, referencing ex-India cricketer Ambati Rayudu's comments on Hotstar, tweeted, "Matt Henry will not play today, confirms Ambati Rayudu in Hotstar ❤️ One threat eliminated...." (@kinetic_karthi).

Another ecstatic fan declared, "NO MATT HENRY 🔥🔥 Its Coming Home 🇮🇳🏆" (@Adarsh_Jha_07), while yet another echoed, "NO MATT HENRY!?🔥 Its Coming Home 🇮🇳🏆" (@KKRWeRule).

Santner, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, acknowledged the challenge ahead for New Zealand. "We're going to have a bat first. Looks like a pretty good wicket, similar to the one we played India here a week ago. Want to get runs on the board and see what happens. Hope it slows down a bit later. Unfortunately, Matt Henry has been ruled out, we've got Nathan Smith coming in," he said.

For New Zealand, the absence of Henry is a massive blow. He had taken a five-wicket haul against India in the group stage and was expected to be a key weapon in the final. His ability to extract movement under lights and strike early had made him a crucial component of the Kiwis' bowling attack.

However, not all reactions were celebratory. Some neutral and rival fans saw Henry's absence as another stroke of luck for India. A Pakistani fan tweeted, "After an unfair advantage, India now gets another one with Matt Henry's injury. Wow, India, your luck is unbelievable! 🤯" (@mrsalaar96).

Another cricket analyst pointed out the significance of his absence, stating, "Not having Matt Henry in today's all-important final against India will be a significant blow for New Zealand, especially while defending a total." (@DSBcricket).

With India already holding an upper hand, Henry's exclusion has only strengthened their position. Now, all eyes are on how New Zealand adapts to this unexpected setback and whether they can overcome India's charge to lift the trophy.