IND Vs NZ: Ravi Shastri Names Player Of The Match Contenders For Champions Trophy 2025 Final

The stage is set for an epic finale as India takes on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 9 (Sunday) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After weeks of thrilling cricket, these two teams have emerged as the best in the tournament, setting up a mouth-watering clash that promises high-intensity action.

While India enters the final as favorites, having dominated the competition with their well-rounded squad, New Zealand is known for delivering exceptional performances in ICC knockout matches. The Kiwis have often played the role of underdogs, but their ability to rise in pressure situations makes them a formidable opponent.

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the grand finale, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has made some bold predictions regarding the Player of the Match contenders for this high-stakes encounter.

Dubai Pitch Report: A Balanced Contest Awaits

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has historically provided a balanced playing field for both batters and bowlers. The pitch offers assistance to seamers under lights, while spinners tend to dominate the middle overs due to the dry surface and lack of grass.

In the previous matches of the tournament, we have seen that teams batting first have an advantage due to the pitch slowing down in the second innings. However, dew could play a role in the evening, making it slightly easier for the chasing side.

Key Factors to Consider:

Spinners will play a crucial role in the middle overs.
Batsmen who can rotate strike and find gaps will succeed.
Pacers might find movement early in the innings but need variations in the death overs.

With these conditions in mind, all-rounders could be the real difference-makers, as they can contribute in both departments. This is precisely why Ravi Shastri has backed three key players to shine in the final.

Ravi Shastri’s Player of the Match Predictions

India’s Key Contenders – Axar Patel & Ravindra Jadeja

Speaking on The ICC Review, Ravi Shastri emphasized the role of all-rounders in big finals and picked Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja as India’s best bets for the Player of the Match award.

“Player of the Match, I would go for an all-rounder. I’ll say Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja from India,” said Shastri.

His reasoning is perfectly logical given the conditions in Dubai and the impact all-rounders can have in high-pressure ICC finals. Let’s take a closer look at why Axar and Jadeja could be India’s trump cards.

1. Ravindra Jadeja – The Ultimate Match-Winner in Big Games

Ravindra Jadeja has been one of India’s biggest match-winners in ICC tournaments. His all-round abilities make him a crucial asset in all three departments—batting, bowling, and fielding.

Why Jadeja Can Be the Player of the Match?

Bowling: His left-arm spin will be effective on Dubai’s slow pitch.
Batting: He can provide quick runs down the order if needed.
Fielding: Jadeja is one of the best fielders in world cricket, capable of producing run-outs and stunning catches.

His experience in handling pressure situations in ICC finals could make him the standout performer for India.

2. Axar Patel – India’s X-Factor with Bat & Ball

Axar Patel has been one of India’s most improved all-rounders, and his performance in the tournament has been exceptional. Like Jadeja, Axar is a left-arm spinner who can trouble New Zealand’s right-handers.

Why Axar Can Be the Player of the Match?

Wicket-taking ability in the middle overs – Axar can choke runs and pick crucial wickets.
Explosive lower-order batting – He can play a vital role in the last few overs.
Versatility under pressure – Axar has proven himself in tight situations.

With the Dubai pitch favoring spinners, both Jadeja and Axar could turn the game in India’s favor.

New Zealand’s Contender – Glenn Phillips

While India has strong all-rounders, Shastri believes New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips could be a game-changer in the final.

“From New Zealand, I think that Glenn Phillips has something up his sleeve. He might just show flashes of brilliance in the field. He might come and smash a cameo of 40, 50 runs and probably surprise you by taking a wicket or two,” said Shastri.

3. Glenn Phillips – The Game-Changer for New Zealand

Glenn Phillips is one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in world cricket. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate and play fearless cricket makes him a serious threat to India’s bowling attack.

Why Phillips Can Be the Player of the Match?

Aggressive Batting: He has the ability to destroy spinners and score quick runs.
Explosive Cameos: Phillips can change the course of the match in a few overs.
Part-Time Off-Spin: He might be handy with the ball in spin-friendly conditions.
Brilliant Fielding: His athleticism in the field makes him a valuable asset.

If Phillips delivers with both bat and ball, he could very well be the difference-maker for New Zealand.

Why Shastri’s Predictions Make Perfect Sense?

Shastri’s choices align perfectly with the playing conditions in Dubai. Finals are often won by all-rounders who can contribute in multiple ways, rather than just pure batters or bowlers.

✔️ Axar Patel & Ravindra Jadeja – Effective left-arm spinners on a slow Dubai pitch, also capable of quick runs.
✔️ Glenn Phillips – An impact player who can turn the game around with explosive batting and fielding brilliance.

All three players have the potential to change the match’s momentum, making them strong candidates for the Player of the Match award.

Final Verdict: Who Will Shine on March 9?

With match-winners on both sides, the Champions Trophy 2025 final is expected to be a closely fought battle.

If India wins, expect Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja to play a decisive role.
If New Zealand pulls off an upset, Glenn Phillips could be their biggest match-winner.

As the countdown begins, fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see if Shastri’s predictions come true. One thing is certain—March 9 will be a historic day in cricket, with one team lifting the Champions Trophy and a new hero emerging on the grandest stage!

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