Source Credit: Gulf News
Dubai: India takes on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday, in what could mark the final ODI appearance for veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The duo, who retired from T20Is after winning the World Cup last year, face uncertainty over their future in 50-over cricket with the next World Cup set for 2027.
India, unbeaten in the tournament, enters the final as favorites, having previously defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the group stage. Kohli has silenced critics with stellar performances, including an unbeaten century against Pakistan and a match-winning 84 against Australia in the semi-finals. Rohit, despite a modest individual tally, has been praised for his leadership and aggressive starts.
India’s spin-heavy attack, featuring Varun Chakravarthy (5-42 vs New Zealand), has been key to their success. The team has remained unchanged, relying on their strengths on turning Dubai pitches.
New Zealand, aiming for their second Champions Trophy title after their 2000 triumph, secured their final spot with a dominant 50-run win over South Africa. Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102) starred in their record 362-run total in Lahore.
While India has home-crowd support, history favors New Zealand in global white-ball tournaments, where they lead head-to-head 9-6. Skipper Williamson believes their group-stage loss to India offers valuable lessons ahead of the decider.
With a packed 25,000-strong crowd expected in Dubai, the final promises high-intensity cricket and a potential farewell for India’s stalwarts.
