New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the high stakes of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final but insisted that his team must stick to its process and remain composed when they take on an in-form India in Dubai on Sunday.
It's easy to say it's just another game — it’s obviously not. But the way you approach it has to be the same. We've done a lot of good stuff in this tournament, and now it's about building on those positives and taking this team forward.
Injury Concerns and Tactical Adjustments
The Black Caps face an anxious wait over the fitness of Matt Henry, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, who injured his shoulder in the semi-final against South Africa.
We'll be training after this, and Matt's going to have a bowl to see how he feels. We’ll make a final call after that.
A major talking point heading into the final has been India’s lethal spin attack, particularly mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who dismantled New Zealand with a five-wicket haul in their previous encounter.
Having shared the IPL experience with Chakaravarthy, Santner acknowledged the challenge ahead but assured that the Kiwis have done their homework.
He’s a world-class bowler with a little bit of mystery. If the pitch plays the same way, he’ll be a challenge, along with all of India’s spinners. But the boys have studied more footage, and we know his threats now — especially that 115kph arm ball that got me!
A Battle for Glory
With New Zealand chasing their second Champions Trophy title and India looking to claim a historic third, the stakes could not be higher. Santner and his team know that success will come down to execution under pressure, staying composed in key moments, and embracing the challenge of facing one of the world’s best teams on the biggest stage.
