IND predicted XI vs NZ, Champions Trophy final: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli eye second ICC crown in less than a year

IND predicted playing XI vs NZ, Champions Trophy final: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli eye second ICC crown in two years (PTI Photo)

India predicted playing XI vs New Zealand: The Indian men's cricket team will look to win another ICC trophy when they meet New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai on Sunday. The team under Rohit Sharma's captaincy failed to clinch the ODI World Cup played at home. However, the skipper delivered the much-awaited ICC silverware in the next tournament, which was the T20 World Cup played in the USA and West Indies.

A little less than a year later the Men In Blue have a golden opportunity to script more history and add another ICC title in the trophy cabinet. However, in order to do so India will have to get past a familiar nemesis in New Zealand, who have a history of upsetting the Men In Blue in big ICC events.

Also Read | 'Humans excelling at creative storytelling in AI era': Ashwin reacts to his fake quotes on Rohit-Kohli's ODI future

So the onus of taking India through will fall on senior batters Rohit and Virat Kohli, whose ODI future have generated quite some chatter online. While Kohli has been enjoying breathtaking form, Rohit has failed to capitalise on explosive starts, something that the Indian captain should be bothered about.

In addition, Shubman Gill too has shown great display but has failed to fire in the previous two matches. A lot of team's success will depend on India's formidable top 3.

The middle-order has contributed when required as witnessed in the lead up to the finals. Shreyas Iyer has been instrumental and Axar Patel too has given the team some cushion in the middle overs.

IND vs NZ: India favourites in Champions Trophy final amid retirement vibes

One area where India can actually wipe out the opponents in the spin department. India's four-faced spin attack comprising Axar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy will have a lot on their shoulders in the spin friendly conditions in Dubai.

Here is India's predicted playing XI against New Zealand for the Champions Trophy 2025 final

Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill

Top and middle-order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk)

All-rounders: Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja

Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

Pacer: Mohammed Shami