IND vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025: India Eye Top Spot in Group A with Final Showdown Against New Zealand
The Indian cricket team is set to lock horns with New Zealand in their final Group A clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday in Dubai. Both teams have already secured their place in the semi-finals, but this match will decide who finishes at the top of the group. India comes into the match with high confidence, having won their last five ODI matches against the Kiwis. However, the result could have a tricky outcome – If India finish second, they’ll face Group B topper South Africa, while finishing first will set up a clash with Australia in the semi-final. Quite an unenviable position for the Men in Blue, making the contest even more crucial.
India Vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025: Playing XI likely expected Changes
For the match against New Zealand, captain Rohit Sharma is likely to make a few changes, giving bench players a chance to prove themselves.
There are doubts about captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness, so India might rest him for the match. However, Rohit was seen practicing in the nets on Saturday, which hints that he could play.
He is likely to open with Shubman Gill, who is in great form, while Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer will handle the middle-order.
KL Rahul is likely to keep his place as the wicket-keeper, ahead of Rishabh Pant. Pant could have been given a chance, but since Rahul attended the pre-match press conference, the change seems unlikely.
Hardik Pandey is the only all rounder player in the team, so there will be replacement for him.
If the team management wants to give Washington Sundar a chance in this match, either Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel might be dropped.
Mohammed Shami is likely to be rested for Arshdeep Singh
Mohammad Shami is likely to be rested for this match and Arshdeep Singh could replace him. Arshdeep Singh hasn’t got a chance to play in the Champions Trophy 2025, as India preferred experienced Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana in the pace attack. With Sunday’s match carrying less pressure, India might rest Shami to manage his workload and give Arshdeep an opportunity.
Arshdeep is a left-arm fast bowler.
Varun Chakravarthy might replace Kuldeep Yadav
Like Arshdeep Singh in the pace attack, India has preferred Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja as their three spinners. In Sunday’s match against New Zealand, the team might give Varun Chakravarthy a chance. Chakravarthy earned his spot after an impressive performance in the T20I series against England. This could be a good chance to test him, especially as Kuldeep hasn’t been at his best in this tournament.
India Vs New Zealand Predicted Playing IX
India predicted playing XI
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel/Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand Playing XI
Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke.
