IND vs NZ: How Can India Win Champions Trophy 2025 Final Against New Zealand? Ex Australia Star EXPLAINS

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IND vs NZ: As anticipation builds for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg has weighed in on the highly anticipated clash between India and New Zealand.

Hogg believes that if the BlackCaps are without their in-form pacer Matt Henry due to injury, India will have a significant advantage in the title decider.

Henry, who played a pivotal role in New Zealand's campaign, suffered a shoulder injury while attempting a catch in the semifinal against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

His absence could be a major blow to the Kiwi side, given his remarkable form throughout the tournament. The right-arm seamer currently leads the wicket-taking charts with 10 dismissals at an impressive average of 16.70.

Hogg acknowledged that New Zealand's spin duo, captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, could challenge the Indian batters in Dubai's spin-friendly conditions. However, he emphasized Henry's importance to the team's balance.

"The Kiwi spinners Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner are good enough to trouble Indian batters in Dubai. The only thing for New Zealand is Matt Henry. If he is not fit for the final then India can easily win the game but if he's there, then I am slightly leaning towards the Kiwis," Hogg told NDTV.

Ahead of the final, Santner remained non-committal about Henry's availability. The New Zealand skipper confirmed that the pacer was set to undergo a training session before a final decision was made regarding his participation.

"So we'll be going across the road and training after this. And Matt's going to have a bowl just to see how he is. Yeah, and then I guess we'll make a call after that," Santner said during the pre-match press conference.

Apart from Henry's fitness, Hogg highlighted the potential impact of New Zealand's wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham. He believes Latham's ability to handle spin could make him a key player against India's potent spin attack, which includes the in-form duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.

With the final set for March 9, all eyes are on Henry's fitness status and how New Zealand plans to counter a formidable Indian side in the high-stakes encounter.