Daryl Mitchell Back, CSK Ace Dropped? New Zealand’s Probable XI vs India

New Zealand have won both their games [Source: AP]

New Zealand will be squaring off with Team India in the final group stage match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday, March 2 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. The winner of the match will top the Group A points table, and will face Australia in the semifinals.

How Have NZ Performed In Champions Trophy?

The New Zealand cricket team, under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, pulverized Pakistan and Bangladesh with huge margins upfront. After defeating Pakistan by 60 runs, the ‘Black Caps’ walloped Bangladesh by five wickets. Santner and co. are currently occupying the top spot on the Group A points table with two wins and a formidable NRR of 0.863.

Among all New Zealand batters, Tom Latham has tallied the highest number of runs in the ongoing 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with 173 runs from just two innings. 

Rachin Ravindra and Will Young have also listed match-winning tons earlier in the competition. On the other hand, spinner Michael Bracewell and fast bowler Will O’Rourke have taken five wickets each to lead New Zealand’s bowling charge off late.

Ahead of New Zealand’s final Group A match against India, we look at the team’s probable playing XI.

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Will New Zealand Bring Daryl Mitchell Back?

Daryl Mitchell ODI Stats vs India thus far

Daryl Mitchell, who racked up runs in heap during New Zealand’s tri-series winning campaign in Pakistan earlier this month, was rested from the match against Bangladesh last week. Averaging a prolific 49.30 in ODIs, Mitchell also holds an astonishing batting strike rate of 97.15.

Moreover, Daryl Mitchell seems to reserve his best against Team India, considering the charismatic all-rounder has been averaging 51.50 against them in 50-overs internationals. 

He also listed two of his six ODI centuries against the ‘Men in Blue’, both during the previous ICC ODI event, the 2023 World Cup. Mitchell’s favourable track record against India might prompt the New Zealand team management to bring him back to the playing XI.

Who Could Be Dropped If Mitchell Returns?

If Daryl Mitchell was to return to the New Zealand set-up, it will likely be at an expense of struggling New Zealand opener Devon Conway. The 33-year-old is yet to notch up a single notable score in the ongoing 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, considering he managed to list just 10 and 30 against Pakistan and Bangladesh.

In the absence of Conway, the New Zealand management can prefer to open the innings with Will Young and Rachin Ravindra instead. 

(Devon Conway vs Will Young and Rachin Ravindra in CT 2025)

The rest of the BlackCaps' lineup will likely be the same, as they might decide to persist with their winning combination. 

New Zealand's probable XI vs India

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Kyle Jamieson

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