India Must Watch Out for Santner, Rachin, and Conway in Final: Rayudu
The highly anticipated final of the Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, with India set to take on New Zealand in a crucial showdown on Sunday in Dubai. As the teams prepare for the big day, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has weighed in with some valuable insights, warning the Indian team to be wary of three key New Zealand players who could pose a significant threat.
Speaking to the media, Rayudu identified Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway as the players India should “watch out” for in the final. Santner’s spin in the middle overs, Ravindra’s batting at the top of the order, and Conway’s potential to be a “dark horse” have all caught Rayudu’s attention, and he believes they could be the key to New Zealand’s success.
Santner, the 29-year-old left-arm spinner, has been a vital part of the New Zealand setup for several years, and Rayudu believes his ability to spin the ball both ways could cause problems for the Indian batsmen. “Santner’s spin is very difficult to play,” Rayudu said. “He can spin the ball both ways, and his economy rate is very good. He’s someone who can really trouble the Indian batsmen in the middle overs.”
Ravindra, the 22-year-old opener, has already shown his potential with some impressive performances for New Zealand in recent months. Rayudu believes his ability to play aggressively at the top of the order could cause problems for the Indian bowlers. “Ravindra is someone who can play aggressively at the top of the order,” Rayudu said. “He’s someone who can take the game away from you quickly, so India will need to be careful with him.”
Conway, the 31-year-old opener, has been in excellent form for New Zealand in recent months, and Rayudu believes he could be the “dark horse” of the tournament. “Conway is someone who can be a real dark horse,” Rayudu said. “He’s someone who can play both pace and spin well, and his record in big games is excellent. He’s someone who can cause a lot of problems for India if they don’t get him out early.”
Rayudu’s warnings come as India prepares to take on a New Zealand team that has been in excellent form in recent months. The Kiwis have won their last five matches in a row, including a thrilling win over England in the semi-finals, and will be confident of causing an upset in the final.
However, India will be buoyed by their own impressive form, having won their last four matches in a row, including a convincing win over Pakistan in the semi-finals. The team will be looking to their experienced players, such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, to lead the way and bring home the title.
Ultimately, the outcome of the final will depend on which team can adapt best to the conditions and make the most of their opportunities. India will need to be wary of Santner’s spin, Ravindra’s aggression, and Conway’s potential to be a game-changer, while also looking to exploit any weaknesses in the New Zealand lineup.
As the teams prepare to take the field on Sunday, one thing is clear: the Champions Trophy 2025 final is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter that will have fans on the edge of their seats. With so much at stake, both teams will be looking to give it their all and bring home the title.
