Dubai Stadium Advantage And..? 3 Reasons India Are Favourites vs New Zealand In Final

Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul [Source: AP Photos]

The Champions Trophy 2025 is down to the final game. Two of the best teams in the tournament, India and New Zealand, will be playing against each other in the tournament summit clash.

Notably, the two teams have already played a clash in the group stage, where the Asian side outclassed the Kiwis. With the final of the tournament knocking at the doors, here are three reasons that make India the stronger contender for the title.

3. Adjustment To The Conditions

The Indian team has played all their matches in the tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Having already played four matches, they know the conditions nicely. 

Dubai International Cricket Stadium [Source: @Nikhil_Rams/x.com]

Besides, the consistency of the venue allows the players to adapt themselves and strategise accordingly for a big clash. Having played all their matches in different strips, the Indian team mostly knows what to expect during the big game. With the match practice and the game time they have had at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Rohit Sharma and his boys will be able to plan proactively for the summit clash.

2. Finding The Balance For The Pitch

Axar Patel [Source: AP Photos]

The Indian team has found the perfect balance for the pitch. During the New Zealand game in the group stage, they went in with four spinners, and that has worked wonders for them. The use of the four spinners has ensured a strategic cushion for the team, irrespective of when they are batting in a match.

The fact that Axar Patel delivered the goods with bat number five, has added depth to the playing combination. Infact, the Indian all-rounder has been a perfect fulcrum, giving India an advantage over their opposition. 

1. Form Of The Middle Order

Virat Kohli [Source: AP Photos]

Rohit Sharma has yet to perform well in the tournament. On the other hand, Shubman Gill did not convert his start after the first game. With the openers blowing hot and cold, it was essential for the middle-order batters to put their hands on, and the no 3-6 of the Indian line-up has precisely done that. 

Shreyas Iyer has delivered for the team in the group stages. Virat Kohli has performed in the two most important games, and Axar Patel has been a consistent performer on the bat. KL Rahul, who is batting a place down his normal number, has also done well whenever he has a chance to bat. This shows that the Indian middle order is well-cooked and is ready for the challenges that might come up in the most important clash of the tournament. 

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