Ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final, former Indian coach Ravi Shastri shared his predictions on The ICC Review, weighing in on key players and potential match-winners.
Shastri, speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan, named all-rounders Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja as India’s best bets for the Player of the Match award.
For New Zealand, he highlighted Glenn Phillips, citing his explosive batting and fielding brilliance.
Phillips was instrumental in the semi-final against South Africa, smashing 49 off 27 balls and taking two wickets to steer his team into the final.
The former coach also predicted strong performances from Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra, highlighting their match-winning capabilities.
Kohli and Williamson have each notched a century and a fifty in the tournament, while Ravindra has already claimed two centuries, including a Player of the Match-winning knock in the semi-final.
With the final set in Dubai, where spin-friendly conditions have been a factor, Shastri hinted at possible changes in the playing XI. However, he suggested teams would likely stick to their core unless necessary.
Reflecting on India’s group-stage win against New Zealand, Shastri acknowledged the Black Caps’ ability to challenge India, stating, “If there’s one team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand. So India start as favourites, but only just.”
