With Rohit Sharma heading into the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand on Sunday, his toss-losing streak has become an unusual talking point. Having lost 11 consecutive tosses, the Indian skipper remains uncertain whether his luck will turn around in the title clash. However, Ravichandran Ashwin has bizarrely suggested that India should aim to lose the toss again.
Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin explained his reasoning: “In my opinion, India shouldn’t aim to win the toss. Let them lose it, allowing New Zealand to choose what they want to do. It could put India in a tricky spot, but overall, India would be comfortable either way since they’ve successfully defended and chased before.”
Ashwin predicted a tight contest, giving India a 54-46 edge due to their past success against New Zealand in the tournament. He also highlighted a key battle between Kane Williamson and Ravindra Jadeja, calling it a “Tom and Jerry” contest that could decide the final.
“Kane Williamson vs. Ravindra Jadeja is the most fascinating battle. Williamson tries various tactics—stepping towards leg stump, playing chip shots, and attempting cuts. But Jadeja is quicker than most left-arm spinners, making traditional sweep shots nearly impossible against him,” Ashwin said.
He further explained Jadeja’s advantage: “Jaddu never bowls slow against Williamson. His high release point, revolutions on the ball, and turn make him a tough bowler to handle.”
With the final set for March 9, Ashwin’s quirky toss theory and insights into India’s strategy add another layer of intrigue to the high-stakes clash.
