![India's predicted XI for CT final [Source: AP Photo]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1741416417916_RohittodropKuldeepforfinals.jpg?type=mq)
India's predicted XI for CT final [Source: AP Photo]
The stage is set as India will take on New Zealand in a riveting Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
India are the only undefeated team in the competition and defeated the Kiwis in the group stage and will have the upper hand. New Zealand lost to India at the same venue but a team of such calibre won't repeat the same mistake as a riveting battle is expected.
Ahead of the grand finale, we look at India's probable XI for the clash. We expect India to go in with the same XI, but here's why we feel the team need a little tweak.
Rohit to drop Kuldeep Yadav?
Kuldeep Yadav stats in CT
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 4 |
| Dismissals | 5 |
| Average | 36.60 |
| Strike-rate | 43.80 |
Kuldeep Yadav has been far from impressive in the ongoing Champions Trophy and has only scalped 5 wickets, out of which 2 were tail-enders. The likes of Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja have overshadowed him as he looks a pale shadow of his former self.
Interestingly, Kuldeep has not even taken a single wicket in his previous three knockout matches and has been taken to the cleaners by Australia (2023 WC final), South Africa (T20 WC final), Australia (CT 2025 semis).
Three spinners in the ranks should do the job for India as Kuldeep Yadav, at the moment feels like a weak link in the bowling lineup.
Why Harshit Rana in playing XI?
Harshit Rana stats in CT
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 2 |
| Dismissals | 4 |
| Average | 15.25 |
| Economy | 3.98 |
The Indian fast bowler was in the playing XI for the first two group stage matches, but India dropped him for the New Zealand clash and his replacement, Varun Chakravarthy cashed in big time.
However, for the big finals, Harshit Rana should be back in the playing XI to replace Kuldeep. New Zealand of all teams play spin really well and will be prepared for India's spin quartet. Instead, Rohit should unleash a tearaway pacer just to pepper the Kiwi batters with pace and bounce.
In 2 matches this tournament, Harshit Rana has scalped 4 wickets, and interestingly, his economy is just 3.98 which showcases his control over lines and lengths in the powerplay.
Other changes in the squad?
India will likely go in with this playing XI and only in case if any injury will a major change be made as Rohit Sharma wants to continue the winning momentum and clinch the Champions Trophy title.
India probable XI VS NZ
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
