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'Let Them Lose': Ravi Ashwin Wants Rohit Sharma To Continue Losing Streak In Final

Soumyajit Dutta

Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin [Source: @Professor_9677/X.com]Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin [Source: @Professor_9677/X.com]

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As India gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai, all eyes are on skipper Rohit Sharma’s unprecedented toss streak after 14 consecutive losses for India in ODIs. But former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged Rohit to embrace another potential loss,

The request from Ashwin's side might sound strange as Rohit is on the verge of pipping Brian Lara's unwanted record of the toss-losing streak, however, Ashwin calls that this might be a strategic advantage to India.

Ashwin’s Unconventional Toss Take

On his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin argued that losing the toss could relieve pressure and play into India’s adaptability. 

“In my opinion, India shouldn’t aim to win the toss. I’d say let them lose it, allowing New Zealand to choose what they want to do. It could put India in a tricky spot. All in all, India would be comfortable either way since they’ve successfully defended and chased before.”

The remark comes amid Rohit’s bizarre toss drought, a streak that began during India’s group-stage matches. Ashwin believes familiarity with chasing and defending under pressure could neutralize New Zealand’s plans.

Ashwin's Final Prediction

While acknowledging New Zealand’s threat, Ashwin tipped India as slight favourites.

“Personally, I’d say it’s about 54-46 in favor of India. While New Zealand’s bowlers have caused India trouble in the past, they’re still a very strong team.”

India enters the final unbeaten, including a group-stage win over the Blackcaps, while New Zealand bulldozed South Africa in the semi-finals.

Ashwin Explains The “Tom & Jerry” Duel

Ashwin highlighted the Ravindra Jadeja-Kane Williamson face-off as the game’s decisive battle, likening it to a “cat-and-mouse” contest.

“If you are a cricket connoisseur, then Kane Williamson vs. Ravindra Jadeja is the most fascinating battle. While facing Jadeja, Kane moves towards the leg stump because he knows Jaddu is troubling him. Sometimes, he steps out and plays the chip shot over the bowler or extra cover. He even tries to play the cut shot on the back foot. They are like Tom and Jerry in the middle,” Ashwin concluded.

With the Dubai International Cricket Stadium set to host the clash on Sunday, March 9, Ashwin’s insights underscore India’s mental resilience. With both teams geared up to battle it out in the front, fans are ready to catch the live action from 2:30 PM IST.