India Must Watch Out for Santner, Rachin & Conway in Final: Rayudu
The highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand is just around the corner, and former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has given a strong warning to the Indian team. In a recent interview, Rayudu highlighted three key players from the New Zealand squad who could prove to be a thorn in India’s side on Sunday in Dubai.
Rayudu, a 39-year-old former batsman, has played for India in several international matches, including ODIs and T20Is. His experience and knowledge of the game make his opinions valuable, and his warnings about the New Zealand players are certainly worth taking seriously.
The first player Rayudu mentioned was Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand left-arm spinner. Santner has been in excellent form in the tournament, taking 11 wickets in the five matches he has played so far. Rayudu warned that Santner’s spin in the middle overs could be particularly damaging for the Indian batting line-up.
“Mitchell Santner is a very good bowler, and he’s got the ability to spin the ball,” Rayudu said. “He’s got a very good variation, and he’s got the ability to bowl at different speeds. He’s got the ability to bowl at the correct length, and that’s what makes him a very good bowler. He’s got the ability to get wickets, and he’s got the ability to strangle the runs as well.”
Rayudu’s second concern was Rachin Ravindra, the young New Zealand batsman who has been opening the innings with Finn Allen. Ravindra has been in impressive form, scoring 220 runs in the tournament so far, and Rayudu warned that his aggressive batting style could cause problems for the Indian bowlers.
“Rachin Ravindra is a very good player, and he’s got the ability to play the right shots at the right time,” Rayudu said. “He’s got the ability to score quickly, and he’s got the ability to take the game away from you. He’s got the ability to play the anchor role, and he’s got the ability to take the game away from you with his batting.”
Rayudu’s third and final concern was Devon Conway, the New Zealand opener who has been in stunning form throughout the tournament. Conway has scored 350 runs in the tournament so far, and Rayudu warned that he could be a “dark horse” for India to worry about.
“Devon Conway is a very good player, and he’s got the ability to play the right shots at the right time,” Rayudu said. “He’s got the ability to score quickly, and he’s got the ability to take the game away from you. He’s got the ability to play the anchor role, and he’s got the ability to take the game away from you with his batting. He’s a real dark horse, and India should be worried about him.”
Overall, Rayudu’s warnings about Santner, Ravindra, and Conway are certainly worth taking seriously. The Indian team will need to be at the top of their game if they are to overcome the challenge posed by these three talented New Zealand players.
The final of the Champions Trophy 2025 will take place on Sunday in Dubai, and it promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the best cricket teams in the world. With Rayudu’s warnings in mind, the Indian team will need to be well-prepared if they are to emerge victorious.
