The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final as India and New Zealand prepare to face off on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
This highly anticipated match marks the first time these two cricketing giants have met in a white-ball tournament final in 25 years.
As they are set to clash, there are strong arguments for maintaining the same playing XI that has performed well throughout the tournament.
Here are three reasons why India should stick with their unchanged lineup:
1. Consistency and Momentum
India has shown remarkable consistency in their performances, winning all their group-stage matches and successfully navigating the semi-final against Australia.
This winning momentum is crucial in high-pressure tournaments like the Champions Trophy. By sticking with the same XI, India can maintain the rhythm and cohesion that has been built over the past few matches.
Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar have both emphasized the importance of not disrupting a winning combination, especially when it has been performing well.
2. Balance and Depth in the Lineup
India’s current lineup offers a perfect blend of batting depth and bowling versatility. The top order, comprising Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, has been solid, while the middle order, with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, provides stability.
The all-round skills of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, combined with the pace of Mohammed Shami (if fit) and the spin of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, make the team well-rounded.
This balance is essential against a team like New Zealand, which has a strong bowling attack and can exploit any weaknesses.
3. Experience and Adaptability
The players in India’s current lineup have extensive experience in handling pressure situations and adapting to different conditions.
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with its spin-friendly surface, requires players who can adjust their game accordingly.
India’s spinners, particularly Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, have shown they can exploit such conditions effectively.
Additionally, the batting lineup has shown resilience in chasing down targets, which could be crucial if India is required to bat second in the final.
