Champions Trophy final: India vs New Zealand or India vs CSK?
India and New Zealand will clash in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday. India, comfortable in Dubai’s slow conditions, faces a New Zealand side well-prepared for similar pitches. Several Kiwi players, including Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Mitchell Santner, have trained extensively at Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) Academy, giving them an edge.
Dubai’s pitches have played slow, with low bounce and gradual turn. These conditions mirror Chennai’s Chepauk stadium, where many New Zealand players gained experience through IPL stints. CSK’s head coach, Sriram Krishnamurthy, credits their training for improving adaptability. He highlights how New Zealand cricketers invest time in understanding subcontinental conditions.
Rachin trained at the CSK Academy before this season, fine-tuning his back-foot play and learning to use his feet against spin. He has scored 226 runs in the tournament, making him the second-highest run-getter. Conway, regarded as the best among them against spin, also honed his technique in Chennai. Mitchell adjusted his approach, using more front-foot play to counter spinners.
New Zealand’s batsmen avoid relying solely on sweep shots. Instead, they mix aggressive footwork with precise shot selection. Their method helped them trouble India in the group stage, where Varun Chakaravarthy’s spin turned the game in India’s favor.
New Zealand’s preparation extends beyond batting. Santner, their lead spinner, has closely studied Ravindra Jadeja since his IPL debut in 2018. While playing only 18 matches in five seasons, he observed Jadeja’s variations in pace and turn. This learning helped him dismiss Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen in the semi-final against South Africa.
Sriram notes New Zealand’s meticulous preparation. They create dry pitches at home and use indoor training setups with sand and gravel to simulate subcontinental conditions. This proactive approach ensures they arrive well-prepared instead of making excuses for unfamiliarity.
India remains undefeated in the tournament, but New Zealand poses a serious challenge. Their deep understanding of Dubai’s conditions, thanks to their CSK connections, makes them India’s biggest threat. If India doesn’t bring its best game, New Zealand could again spoil their ICC dreams.
