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IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction: 3 Top Captain Or Vice-Captain Choices For Match 12 Of Champions Trophy 2025

Jatin

IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction [Source: @BCCI, @BLACKCAPS/x.com]IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction [Source: @BCCI, @BLACKCAPS/x.com]

The Champions Trophy 2025 has reached a thrilling stage and all eyes are now Match 12 between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 2. Both teams have already secured their semi-final berths but this game isn’t just about going through the motions, it’s about finishing on top of the group to keep the winning momentum alive and make a loud statement before the semis.

Rohit Sharma led India has been clinical so far as they have steamrolled past Bangladesh and arch-rivals Pakistan. Their last outing saw Virat Kohli roll back the years with a magnificent century while their bowling unit, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya, ensured Pakistan never truly got away.

On the other hand, New Zealand, under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, have been just as impressive, having already stunned Pakistan and Bangladesh with their all-round performances. Rachin Ravindra’s scintillating century against Bangladesh in their last match once again highlighted the depth in their batting while Michael Bracewell’s four-wicket haul choked the opposition. 

Top 3 Captain And Vice-Captain Choices For IND vs NZ

With Dubai International Cricket Stadium’s slow surface likely to dictate proceedings, making the right fantasy cricket choices for captain and vice-captain becomes even more important. The pitch has been no friend to free-stroking batters and with an average first-innings total hovering around 219, a score of 250-plus could be a match-winning score. Spinners will get grip from the surface while pacers can extract swing from the new ball. With the record here favouring chasing side, the captain that wins the toss will aim to field first.

3. Michael Bracewell

Why Will Michael Bracewell Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain For IND vs NZ?

When it comes to impact players, Michael Bracewell is the man for New Zealand. The off-spinning all-rounder has proven his worth time and time again and given how Dubai’s surface has behaved so far, he is someone who could cause serious headaches for the Indian batting lineup.

Bracewell has been on fire in recent ODIs, picking up 15 wickets in his last seven matches with a miserly economy rate of just 3.87. His tendency to break partnerships in the middle overs is something that makes him an invaluable fantasy pick, especially on a pitch that is tailor-made for spinners. His last outing against Bangladesh saw him rip through their batting order as he snagged 4/26 and ensured the Kiwis had complete control of the game.

2. Virat Kohli

Why Will Virat Kohli Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain For IND vs NZ?

When the stakes are high, Virat Kohli finds another gear. His match-winning, unbeaten century against Pakistan in the last game was yet another reminder of why he remains India’s most dependable batter in crunch games.

The Dubai pitch has not been kind to batters who rely on brute force, but Kohli’s ability to rotate strike, pierce gaps and keep the scoreboard ticking makes him an ideal fit for such conditions. Unlike power-hitters who struggle on slow wickets, Kohli’s game is built on timing, placement and patience which are exactly the qualities needed to succeed in this contest.

His numbers in the tournament so far paint a telling story: 122 runs in two matches at an average of 122.00, including that unbeaten hundred against Pakistan. His confidence will be sky-high, and against a New Zealand attack that lacks express pace, expect him to be at his best again.

1. Shubman Gill

Why Will Shubman Gill Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain For IND vs NZ?

If you’re looking for the safest, most in-form captaincy choice, look no further than Shubman Gill. The young opener has been a revelation in ODIs and his ability to build an innings, accelerate when needed and play risk-free cricket makes him the ideal fantasy cricket captain.

Gill started the Champions Trophy 2025 with a statement century against Bangladesh, showing his class and composure on a tricky Dubai pitch. In the next match against Pakistan, he once again looked assured, scoring a solid 46 before falling at the wrong time. His form leading into this tournament has also been nothing short of spectacular, with 463 runs in his last eight ODIs at an average of 66.14.

The New Zealand attack will pose a different kind of challenge but if there’s one batter who has the temperament and technique to negotiate Santner and Bracewell’s spin threat, it’s Shubman Gill.