We have a balanced team with four spinners but India’s mystery spinner Varun poses a major threat, says NZ Coach Gary

As New Zealand prepares for the high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against India in Dubai, head coach Gary Stead has opened up about the team’s mindset, key players, and tactical strategies. The final, scheduled for March 9 at the Dubai International Stadium, promises a fierce competition with India aiming to maintain their unbeaten record, while the Kiwis seek redemption after their group-stage loss to the Men in Blue.

Coach Stead acknowledged that India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy poses a major threat. Chakravarthy had dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup during their earlier encounter, claiming figures of 5/42 and causing a collapse from a comfortable 151/3 to an eventual total of 205 all out.

Addressing the challenges of facing Chakravarthy, Stead mentioned, “Varun Chakravarthy is a very good bowler and undoubtedly a big threat in this match. We will assess the pitch and determine how to effectively handle him. After taking five wickets against us earlier, we fully expect him to play again. We’re definitely putting our thinking caps on to find ways to neutralize him and score runs. Picking cues from a wrist spinner is much easier during daylight, but under lights, it can get difficult.”

He further emphasized the possibility of India deploying a strong four-spinner lineup consisting of Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja, all of whom have played crucial roles throughout the tournament. However, Stead confidently asserted that New Zealand is also well-equipped with their own spin resources, led by captain Mitchell Santner, along with Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.

“We have a balanced team with four effective spinners ourselves,” Stead said. “Santner, Bracewell, Phillips, and Ravindra give us flexibility and strength in spin. Indian spinners are excellent, and it’s always challenging to face them, but we must remain clear about our plans, match-ups, and tactics. We also understand spinners can have off days, and we must capitalize if that happens.”

Highlighting key players, Stead praised young all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who has emerged as New Zealand’s standout performer, showing remarkable composure and ability to score swiftly without excessive risk. Ravindra, who recently dominated the ODI World Cup in India with 578 runs, is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the Champions Trophy with 226 runs at an average of 75.33, including two centuries.

“Rachin seems to score effortlessly at a run a ball and adds value with his left-arm spin. We’re fortunate to have him; he’s crucial to our setup,” Stead said. Ravindra’s consistent ability to deliver on big stages, with all his ODI centuries occurring in ICC events, marks him as a rising star destined for big occasions.

Stead also spoke highly of veteran Kane Williamson, emphasizing his knack for performing in crucial matches. Despite beginning the tournament with low scores, Williamson stepped up significantly with a resilient 81 against India in the group stage and an impressive century against South Africa in the semi-final. Williamson has 189 runs in four matches at an average of 47.25.

“Kane is special. He rises to big occasions consistently. Cricket doesn’t guarantee runs, but I’m confident Kane will prepare thoroughly and adapt quickly to different surfaces. We are hopeful he’ll deliver once again in the final,” Stead added.

Another player receiving praise from Stead is all-rounder Glenn Phillips, whose contributions span batting, bowling, and exceptional fielding. Phillips has accumulated 143 runs at an impressive average of 71.50 in the tournament and also picked up crucial wickets. Moreover, his fielding has been extraordinary, highlighted by a spectacular catch to dismiss India’s Virat Kohli cheaply during their earlier encounter.

“Glenn Phillips is exceptional, particularly in the field,” said Stead. “His enthusiasm and athleticism are unmatched. He practices tirelessly, and his ability to execute brilliant catches consistently makes him invaluable. The recognition he’s getting is truly deserved.”

With a balanced mix of experienced and young players, combined with detailed preparation, Stead believes New Zealand can overcome India’s challenges, including their potent spin attack. Both teams enter the final with a history of intense clashes, as India seeks revenge for previous ICC knockout defeats by New Zealand, notably in the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final and the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final.

The upcoming final will not only decide the Champions Trophy winner but also reaffirm the tactical depth and resilience of New Zealand under Gary Stead’s guidance, as they attempt to secure their first ICC Champions Trophy title since their victory in the year 2000.