New Delhi: Ravi Shastri joined host Sanjana Ganesan to share his predictions, including the winner of the marquee clash between India and New Zealand, as well as his pick for the Aramco Player of the Tournament. India will face New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 finals in Dubai International Cricket stadium on Sunday.
The biggest surprise came with his pick for the Aramco Player of the Match, as Shastri named three contenders who could compete for the honor.
“For the Player of the Match, I would go with an all-rounder,” Shastri said in The ICC Review. “My picks would be Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja from India.”
“From New Zealand, I believe Glenn Phillips has something special up his sleeve,” Shastri said. “He might showcase brilliance in the field, play a quick cameo of 40 or 50 runs, and even surprise everyone by taking a wicket or two.”
Shastri’s prediction comes after Phillips’ stellar performance in the semi-final against South Africa, where he played a blazing knock of 49 off just 27 balls, helping New Zealand register the highest-ever total in Champions Trophy history.
Phillips further demonstrated his all-round abilities by taking two wickets, playing a key role in New Zealand’s dominant victory to secure their place in the final.
Throughout the tournament, Phillips has delivered several match-winning performances, including game-changing moments in the field, where he has already taken two gravity-defying catches that shifted momentum in crucial matches.
For India, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja have been vital components of the team’s success. They have formed a formidable spin quartet alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, while also adding depth to India’s batting lineup.
Shastri also identified Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra as key players who could influence the outcome of the final. According to him, their performances would be critical if their respective teams were to lift the trophy.
Both Williamson and Kohli have been in sensational form, scoring a fifty and a century each in the four matches they have played. Meanwhile, Ravindra has been in sublime touch, registering two centuries, including a match-winning ton against South Africa in the semi-final.
“Based on current form, I’d say Kohli,” Shastri remarked. “When players of this caliber get going and cross the 10-run mark, they become incredibly dangerous—whether it’s Williamson or Kohli.”
“For New Zealand, Williamson stands out. And to some extent, Rachin Ravindra—he’s an exceptional young talent,” Shastri added. “In a final, if these players get set and reach 10-15 runs, they become doubly dangerous.”
With the final set to take place in Dubai, a venue that has heavily favored spinners throughout the tournament, Shastri was asked whether either team might consider altering their playing XI—especially New Zealand, who had lost their group-stage match against India at the same venue.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a change or two, depending on the pitch conditions,” Shastri stated. “The surface used against Australia was the best of the tournament, and the groundsman has had five days to prepare it further. If it turns out to be a 280-300-run wicket like last time, teams might reconsider their combinations.”
However, Shastri emphasized that both teams would likely avoid unnecessary changes unless absolutely required.
The two sides last met in the group stage just a week before the final, where New Zealand posed India’s toughest challenge so far. The Black Caps pushed the game deep, testing India in all aspects. Eventually, it took a brilliant bowling effort from India to secure the crucial win.
“If there’s one team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand,” Shastri concluded. “India start as favorites, but only just.”
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