With just one match left in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Team India is on the verge of lifting its first Champions Trophy title since 2013. Having dominated throughout the tournament, India now faces New Zealand in the final on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Given the team’s stellar form and balanced squad, Rohit Sharma is expected to stick with the same playing XI that secured a comfortable semifinal win over Australia.
No Place for Rishabh Pant as Team Sticks to Winning XI
Despite being a proven match-winner, Rishabh Pant is unlikely to make the final XI, as KL Rahul continues to be the preferred wicketkeeper-batsman. India’s batting lineup has been formidable, with Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer delivering crucial performances. Kohli leads the scoring charts for India with 217 runs in four matches, while Iyer and Gill have been consistent contributors.
Spin Quartet to Dominate Again
India’s four-pronged spin attack of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy has been the team’s biggest strength in the tournament. The conditions in Dubai have been favorable for spin bowling, and in the previous encounter against New Zealand, these four combined to take 9 wickets for 166 runs.
- Varun Chakravarthy: 7 wickets in two matches (strike rate: 17.14).
- Axar Patel: 5 wickets in four matches (economy: 4.55).
- Kuldeep Yadav: 5 wickets in four matches (economy: 4.55).
- Ravindra Jadeja: 4 wickets in four matches.
Given this success, no changes are expected in the bowling lineup.
Arshdeep Singh to Miss Out, Shami and Pandya Lead Pace Attack
While Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya have played key roles with the ball, there might have been some temptation to include Arshdeep Singh for extra pace. However, given the effectiveness of the spin attack and the experience of Shami, it’s unlikely that India will take a risk with any last-minute changes.
India’s Predicted XI for the Champions Trophy Final vs New Zealand:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill (VC)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
- Varun Chakravarthy
With India’s batting in top form and the bowling attack dominating on spin-friendly pitches, Rohit Sharma and Co. are well-positioned to claim another ICC title.
