Champions Trophy final: Five key players who could decide the fate of the title clash

Dubai: India and New Zealand will battle for the Champions Trophy, one of world cricket’s premier titles. Returning after a seven-year hiatus, the tournament’s 2017 runners-up, India, will be wary of falling at the final hurdle against the Black Caps, who have proved to be their nemesis on the big stage.

In 2019, New Zealand stunned India in the 50-over World Cup semi-finals before narrowly losing the final on boundary count to hosts England. While both teams have moved on, memories of that encounter linger. Six of India’s current players — Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja — featured in that game, while Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham, and Matt Henry played key roles for New Zealand at Old Trafford.

Gulf News takes a look at five players who will be crucial for their respective teams in the final:

Virat Kohli: The Chase Master in top form

The ace Indian batter has always risen to the occasion in crucial moments. Kohli has rediscovered his touch in the Champions Trophy, amassing 217 runs in four innings, including an unbeaten 100 that secured India’s place in the semi-finals.

The 36-year-old has a proven record in tournament finals, scoring half-centuries in both of India’s previous summit clashes — 54 against Australia in the 2023 World Cup and a match-winning 76 against South Africa to clinch the T20 World Cup title. Kohli will be pivotal to India’s batting, with the rest of the line-up expected to rally around him.

Having missed out against New Zealand in his 300th ODI last Sunday, he will be eager to deliver and add another ICC trophy to India’s cabinet.

Varun Chakravarthy gives India the advantage

The mystery spinner has had a significant psychological impact on the New Zealand team. The 33-year-old has varied his pace and turn effectively, spinning a web around the Kiwis and claiming a five-wicket haul.

His earlier performance will give Chakravarthy confidence on a dry Dubai pitch known to assist spinners. “Varun is a big threat in the game, and we will be putting our thinking caps on to nullify that and see how we can still score runs against him,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said on Friday — a statement that confirms he is already in their minds.

Chakravarthy will be India’s trump card in the final.

Shubman Gill: The rising leader

Dubbed the “prince” of Indian cricket, Gill has been groomed for a bigger role and will be eager to prove he is ready for the challenge. With speculation that Rohit Sharma will retire from ODIs after the Champions Trophy, and the skipper himself hinting that Gill is being prepared for greater responsibilities, the young opener appears to be on the cusp of leadership.

The 25-year-old has thrived under pressure, especially since becoming India’s vice-captain in the tournament. His unbeaten century against Bangladesh in the opener set the tone, and his ability to embrace challenges makes him one to watch in the final.

Kane Williamson: New Zealand’s big-match player

A key member of cricket’s Fab Four, Williamson is a smooth operator who has returned to top form, scoring three centuries against South Africa, including one in the semi-finals in Lahore.

Williamson kept New Zealand in the chase during their earlier group-stage clash against India but lacked support from the other end. Like Kohli, he thrives on the big stage. “Kane Williamson has been in superb form. He is a guy who rises for the big occasion, and he’s done it many times for New Zealand in the past,” Stead said.

History adds another layer to this contest — Williamson led New Zealand to an U-19 World Cup semi-final victory over Kohli’s Indian team, which also featured Ravindra Jadeja and Michael Bracewell. Their rivalry now takes centre stage once more.

Matt Henry: New Zealand’s pace weapon under injury cloud

The New Zealand pacer is racing against time to recover from a right shoulder injury sustained while taking a diving catch to dismiss South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen in the semi-final.

Henry has been India’s biggest tormentor in recent times. The Champions Trophy’s leading wicket-taker, he famously dismantled India’s top order in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, dismissing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik to leave them reeling at 24 for four inside the powerplay.

Conditions in Dubai differ from Old Trafford, but Henry has already proven his adaptability, taking five for 42 in his previous match at this venue. New Zealand will be hoping he recovers fully and can once again trouble India’s top order in the final.