Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 8: As India gears up to face New Zealand in the much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday, all eyes will be on wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who has become a game-changer with his deceptive variations and sharp turn.

Chakaravarthy has been a nightmare for opposition batters throughout the tournament, and his stellar 5-42 performance against the Blackcaps in the group stage, where India won by 44 runs, is proof of his dominance. In the semi-final against Australia, he struck early, dismissing the dangerous Travis Head in the powerplay, reinforcing his reputation as India’s spin spearhead.

However, New Zealand’s batting lineup, led by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, both coming off century knocks in their semi-final win over South Africa, presents a fresh challenge for the Indian mystery spinner. Former cricketer-turned-coach Lalchand Rajput believes this head-to-head battle could define the outcome of the final.

“It’s going to be a fascinating contest,” said Rajput in an exclusive chat from Dubai. "Varun is a mystery spinner, and while players like Conway, Ravindra, and Williamson have faced him in the IPL, handling him in a high-pressure final is a different ball game. If you try to attack him recklessly, you are bound to make mistakes."

He emphasized that India’s spin attack has a significant edge, with Kuldeep Yadav’s unorthodox chinaman deliveries, combined with the disciplined left-arm spin of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, adding to the pressure on New Zealand batters.

"The strength of our spin quartet makes us one step ahead of other teams. Kuldeep is tricky to handle, while Axar and Jadeja keep the batters in check, forcing errors. That’s how we create wicket-taking opportunities," Rajput explained.

While New Zealand boasts a formidable spin contingent, led by captain Mitchell Santner, along with Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell, Rajput believes India still has the upper hand.

"Santner is their key spinner, but the burden on him is much higher compared to our bowlers. While we can rotate four quality spinners, New Zealand will rely heavily on Santner, which adds extra pressure on him in a high-stakes game," he added.

New Zealand’s concerns don’t end with their spin attack. Pacer Matt Henry’s fitness remains uncertain after injuring his right shoulder while taking a catch in the semi-final against South Africa. Henry was instrumental in New Zealand’s group-stage clash against India, claiming 5-42, and his potential absence could tilt the balance in favor of the Men in Blue.

"Henry is a quality pacer with an effective mix of pace, bouncers, yorkers, and slower balls. His fifer on a slow Dubai pitch showed his impact. If he’s ruled out, it’s a huge setback for New Zealand and a big advantage for our batting lineup," Rajput concluded.

With India boasting a world-class spin attack and New Zealand banking on their seasoned batters to counter it, the Champions Trophy 2025 final promises to be a thrilling encounter between spin wizardry and batting prowess.