India must watch out for Santner, Rachin & Conway in final: Rayudu
The highly anticipated final of the Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, with India set to take on New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. As the teams gear up for the big clash, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has sounded a warning to the Indian team, highlighting three New Zealand players who could cause trouble for the Men in Blue.
In an interview, Rayudu named Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway as the players India should “watch out” for in the final. Santner, the Kiwi spinner, is known for his ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs, and Rayudu believes he could cause problems for the Indian batsmen.
“Santner is a very good bowler, especially in the middle overs. He can pick up wickets at any given time,” Rayudu said. “He’s got a good variety of deliveries, and he’s been doing well for New Zealand. So, India needs to watch out for him.”
Ravindra, the 22-year-old opener, has been in impressive form for New Zealand, scoring a century in the semi-final against Pakistan. Rayudu acknowledged Ravindra’s potential, saying, “Rachin has been playing well for New Zealand. He’s a good opener, and he can set the tone for the team.”
The third player Rayudu named was Devon Conway, who has been a revelation for New Zealand with the bat. Conway has scored two centuries in the tournament so far, and Rayudu believes he could be a “dark horse” for New Zealand.
“Conway has been playing well for New Zealand, and he’s a potential dark horse for them. He’s a good player, and he can change the game with his batting,” Rayudu said.
Rayudu’s warning to the Indian team comes at a time when they are looking to win their first Champions Trophy title since 2013. India have been in good form in the tournament so far, losing only one match to Pakistan in the group stages.
However, they will know that New Zealand are a formidable opponent, and they will need to be at their best to come out on top. Santner, Ravindra, and Conway will be key players for the Kiwis, and Rayudu’s words of caution will be music to their ears.
For India, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul will need to fire with the bat if they are to win the title. The Indian bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, will also need to be at their best to contain the New Zealand batsmen.
As the two teams prepare to face off in the final, Rayudu’s warning to India will be one of the key storylines to watch. Will India be able to contain Santner’s spin, Ravindra’s batting, and Conway’s potential for New Zealand? Only time will tell.
The final of the Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to be an exciting contest, and fans of both teams will be eagerly waiting to see who comes out on top. With Rayudu’s words of caution ringing in their ears, India will need to be at their best if they are to win the title.
For New Zealand, the confidence of having players like Santner, Ravindra, and Conway in their ranks will be a huge boost. They will know that they have the players who can cause trouble for the Indian team, and they will be looking to make the most of it.
As the big day approaches, all eyes will be on the players who will take to the field in Dubai. Will India’s star-studded lineup be able to overcome the challenges posed by Santner, Ravindra, and Conway? Only one way to find out.
