Kuldeep Yadav produced a moment of magic in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, clean bowling Rachin Ravindra with a stunning googly to shift the momentum in India’s favor at the Dubai International Stadium. Ravindra, who had survived two dropped catches earlier—one by Mohammed Shami and another by Shreyas Iyer—could not make the most of his luck as Kuldeep deceived him with his very first ball.
The delivery, an 84 km/h back-of-the-hand googly, pitched just short of a good length outside off, cramping Ravindra for room as he attempted to play on the off side. The lack of pace off the surface forced an awkward shot, and with his bat caught in an uncertain position, the ball clipped his pad before crashing into the top of off-stump.
Ravindra’s reprieves go in vain
Ravindra had looked dangerous at the crease and was handed two lifelines earlier in his innings. Shami dropped a caught-and-bowled opportunity in his follow-through, reminiscent of his miss against Australia in the semi-final. Later, Shreyas Iyer put down another chance, allowing Ravindra to extend his stay. However, Kuldeep ensured there would be no further mistakes, delivering a peach to send the left-hander back.
Varun Chakravarthy strikes first
India’s first breakthrough had come through mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who dismissed Will Young earlier in the innings. With Kuldeep’s wicket of Ravindra adding to the pressure on New Zealand, India now has a strong grip on the contest, looking to tighten the noose further.
Current score
NZ 75/2 (12 overs)
Batters at strike:
Kane Williamson 11(12)
Daryl Mitchell 3(8)
