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 face off against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. As the teams prepare for the big showdown, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has warned the Men in Blue about three Kiwis who could cause problems for them.
In an exclusive interview, Rayudu highlighted the importance of being aware of Mitchell Santner’s spin in the middle overs, Rachin Ravindra’s impressive batting at the top, and Devon Conway’s potential to be a “dark horse” in the final.
Santner, the New Zealand left-arm spinner, has been in top form lately, and Rayudu believes he could be a game-changer for the Kiwis. “Santner is a very intelligent bowler,” Rayudu said. “He knows when to bowl and when to stop. He’s got a lot of variations, and that makes him a difficult bowler to face in the middle overs.”
The middle overs, which typically range from the 10th to the 30th over, are often considered the most crucial phase of a cricket match. It’s a period where teams often look to consolidate their position, build momentum, and take control of the game. Santner’s ability to extract turn and bounce from the surface, combined with his clever use of variations, makes him a formidable opponent in this phase.
Ravindra, the 22-year-old New Zealand batsman, has been making waves with his impressive performances in recent times. Rayudu is particularly impressed with Ravindra’s ability to bat at the top of the order, saying, “Rachin is a very good player. He’s got a great temperament and is very solid at the top of the order. He’s got a strong defensive game, and that makes him difficult to dismiss.”
Ravindra’s inclusion at the top of the order has given New Zealand’s batting a much-needed boost, and his ability to set the tone for the innings could be a major factor in the final.
Conway, the New Zealand opener, is another player who Rayudu believes could cause problems for India. “Devon Conway is a dark horse,” Rayudu said. “He’s a very good player, and he’s got a lot of experience. He’s got a strong record in big games, and that makes him a threat.”
Conway has been in excellent form lately, scoring a century in the semi-final against England. His ability to play both orthodox and unorthodox shots, combined with his strong temperament, makes him a formidable opponent.
Rayudu’s warnings come at a time when India is looking to build on their impressive performance in the semi-final against Pakistan. The team has been working hard on their game plan, and captain Rohit Sharma will be keen to ensure that his players are well-prepared to face the Kiwis.
In conclusion, Rayudu’s warnings about Santner, Ravindra, and Conway serve as a reminder of the importance of being aware of the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses. As India prepares to take on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, these three players will be key to the Kiwis’ chances of success.
