India Must Watch Out for Santner, Rachin & Conway in Final: Rayudu
The highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final is just around the corner, with India set to take on New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. As the Indian team gears up for the big match, former cricketer Ambati Rayudu has warned about three Kiwi players who could pose a significant threat to the Indian team’s chances of lifting the trophy.
In an exclusive interview, Rayudu named Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway as the players India should “watch out” for in the final. The 39-year-old, who has a wealth of experience playing for India, knows a thing or two about the game, and his words of caution are likely to send a shiver down the spines of Indian fans.
First up, Rayudu highlighted Santner’s spin in the middle overs as a major concern for the Indian team. The 30-year-old left-arm spinner has been in exceptional form recently, and his ability to extract turn and dip from the surface has made him a nightmare for batsmen. Rayudu warned that Santner’s spin could prove to be the difference between the two teams, especially if the Indian batsmen are not prepared to handle his unique style of bowling.
“Santner’s spin is a major worry for us,” Rayudu said. “He’s been bowling really well, and his ability to spin the ball both ways makes him a difficult proposition. If we’re not careful, he could really hurt us in the middle overs.”
Next, Rayudu turned his attention to Rachin Ravindra, who has been making waves in international cricket with his impressive batting performances. The 22-year-old opener has been instrumental in New Zealand’s success in the Champions Trophy, and Rayudu believes he could be the x-factor for the Kiwis in the final.
“Ravindra’s been playing really well, and his ability to bat at the top of the order is a big plus for New Zealand,” Rayudu said. “He’s got a strong defensive game, and he’s also capable of playing some attacking shots. If he gets going, it could be a real problem for us.”
Finally, Rayudu mentioned Devon Conway as a potential “dark horse” for New Zealand. The 30-year-old left-hander has been in excellent form recently, and his ability to bat at any position in the order makes him a valuable asset for the Kiwis.
“Conway’s a real dark horse for me,” Rayudu said. “He’s been playing really well, and his ability to bat at any position makes him a difficult player to prepare for. He’s a hard-hitting batsman, and if he gets going, it could be a real challenge for us to stop him.”
While Rayudu’s words of caution are likely to send a shiver down the spines of Indian fans, it’s worth noting that the Indian team has a wealth of experience playing in big matches. The team has been preparing for this tournament for months, and the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah are all seasoned professionals who know what it takes to win major tournaments.
That being said, Rayudu’s warnings are a reminder that no team can take anything for granted in international cricket. The Champions Trophy 2025 final is likely to be a closely contested match, and India will need to be at the top of their game if they are to emerge victorious.
In conclusion, Rayudu’s words of caution are a reminder that India should not underestimate the threat posed by New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway. While the Indian team has a wealth of experience playing in big matches, it’s clear that these three players could pose a significant threat to their chances of lifting the trophy.
As the final approaches, Indian fans will be eagerly awaiting the team’s response to Rayudu’s warnings. Will the team be able to rise to the challenge and secure a victory, or will New Zealand’s star players prove to be too much for them? Only time will tell.
