Reflecting on Indian cricket last year, Stephen Fleming, former New Zealand captain, expressed envy at India’s vast talent pool compared to New Zealand’s resources. Despite this, New Zealand has consistently outperformed India in major international tournaments.
Their head-to-head record in global events is telling, with New Zealand holding a 5-10 advantage, including a World Test Championship victory. In this tournament alone, New Zealand previously won against India in the 2000 ICC Knockout final. While Sunday’s Champions Trophy 2025 match won’t decide qualification as both teams are already through, it will determine who tops Group A and gains crucial momentum for the knockout stages.
New Zealand’s success might stem from a less pressured environment. Their players, lacking constant competition for places, play with more assurance. KL Rahul highlighted this, acknowledging the intense competition within the Indian team, particularly his own with Rishabh Pant.
Mike Hesson, former New Zealand coach, explained to sources that New Zealand players are well-prepared and understand their roles clearly due to less internal competition. This clarity and team focus are significant advantages in tournament play.
Hesson emphasized that New Zealand players avoid being overwhelmed, and while acknowledging India’s talent, he reiterated New Zealand’s strengths in role clarity and teamwork, especially in fielding. He anticipates New Zealand maintaining this high fielding standard in the semifinals.
However, India can take confidence from their recent World Cup semifinal victory against New Zealand in Mumbai. In that match, India’s top order – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul – all performed exceptionally. India will aim to replicate that dominant performance on Sunday.
India might use this opportunity to give match experience to players who haven’t played yet. Despite concerns about a hamstring issue, Rohit Sharma batted extensively in a recent practice session. However, he might still opt to rest, potentially alongside Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav, who could be replaced by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy.
Rahul mentioned the temptation to give opportunities to non-playing squad members but was unsure if this would happen in a Champions Trophy context, suggesting the team’s approach might become clearer closer to the match.
Team Updates:
India: India may make a couple of changes, with a question mark over Rohit Sharma’s participation due to a hamstring concern, although he seemed comfortable in recent practice. Potential changes include Arshdeep Singh for Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakravarthy for Kuldeep Yadav.
Predicted India XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand: New Zealand, also qualified, might rest players with minor injuries before the knockouts. Daryl Mitchell is available after recovering from illness. His inclusion creates a selection dilemma, as Rachin Ravindra, who replaced Mitchell, scored a century. Will Young, who previously replaced an injured Ravindra and also scored a century, further complicates the selection.
Predicted New Zealand 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.
Interesting Facts:
– Virat Kohli is set to play his 300th ODI on Sunday, having scored a century in his 200th ODI against the same opponent in 2017.
– New Zealand’s fast bowlers tend to release the ball from a high point, likely posing a short ball challenge to Shreyas Iyer, who has recently shown resilience against this tactic.
– Despite not having a wrist spinner in their team, New Zealand leads in spin statistics in the tournament. Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell have achieved the most spin, with over a third of their deliveries turning more than 4.5 degrees.
– Michael Bracewell is the top spinner wicket-taker with five wickets, with over 70% of his deliveries being dot balls.
Quotes:
KL Rahul: “No game is easy, and no team can be underestimated. New Zealand is consistently strong and competitive, performing well over the years. We’ve played them many times in ICC events, and they’ve often challenged us. It’s usually a balanced contest, and I expect another competitive game.”
Michael Bracewell: “We avoid putting excessive pressure on ourselves. Our recent Test series win boosts our confidence, and we have a good track record against India in ICC events. We focus on staying calm in the moment, which has worked for us in the past.”
