India vs New Zealand: 5 Key Factors That Could Decide the Champions Trophy 2025 Final

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is set, with India and New Zealand clashing at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9. This will be the second time in history that both teams meet in a Champions Trophy final, the last being in 2000, when New Zealand emerged victorious.

Having already faced each other in the group stage, where India had the upper hand, both teams will now battle for glory in the high-stakes final. Here are the five key factors that could determine the outcome of the IND vs NZ final:

1. Varun Chakravarthy’s Game-Changing Spin

India’s decision to include Varun Chakravarthy at the last moment has proven to be a masterstroke. After missing the first two games, he has taken seven wickets in two matches, including a five-wicket haul against New Zealand in the group stage.

• His ability to trouble batters in middle overs has relieved pressure off Kuldeep Yadav.
• Dubai’s spin-friendly pitches make Chakravarthy even more dangerous, especially if India bowls second.

2. Rachin Ravindra & Kane Williamson’s Dominance

New Zealand’s batting will heavily rely on Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, both of whom are in sensational form.

• The duo stitched a 164-run partnership in the semifinal against South Africa, taking the match away from the Proteas.
• Ravindra has already scored two centuries in the tournament, including one against Bangladesh.
• Williamson’s experience and ability to anchor innings make him a key player in the final.

3. Rohit Sharma’s Form a Major Concern

While India has made it to the final, Rohit Sharma’s inconsistent form remains a concern.

• Scores of 41, 20, 15, and 28 suggest that he has provided quick starts but failed to convert them into big knocks.
• Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has also questioned his form before the final.
• With the New Zealand pace attack posing a big challenge, India will need its captain to step up.

4. Dubai Pitch Could Favor Spinners

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch has played a crucial role throughout the tournament.

• Early in the innings, batters have enjoyed stroke play, but after 10-15 overs, the pitch slows down, making life difficult for the batters.
• Spinners have been more effective than pacers, and this could play into India’s hands with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
• The highest total in Dubai this tournament has been 264, which India chased successfully against Australia in the semifinals.

5. The Matt Henry Factor

Despite concerns over a shoulder injury, Matt Henry has been New Zealand’s best bowler, leading the tournament charts with 10 wickets.

• Against India, he was lethal, reducing them to 30/3 before Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer rescued the innings.
• His ability to generate seam movement combined with pace makes him a dangerous bowler, especially with the new ball.
• If Henry can strike early, India’s batting could be under immense pressure.

Final Thoughts: Who Holds the Edge?

India will rely on their batting depth and spin attack, while New Zealand’s experienced top order and lethal pace bowling will pose a tough challenge.

• If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fire, India could dominate the final.
• If Matt Henry and Trent Boult strike early, New Zealand could take control.
• The Dubai pitch will play a crucial role, with spinners expected to dominate.

With both teams in top form, the Champions Trophy 2025 final promises an exciting battle between two of cricket’s best teams.