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 Indian team prepares to face off against the Kiwis, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has sounded a warning: India must watch out for New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway.
In a recent interview, Rayudu highlighted the threat posed by these three players, warning that they could be the difference-makers in the final. Santner, the left-arm spinner, is expected to play a key role in the middle overs, where he can slow down India’s scoring rate and create opportunities for the New Zealand bowlers to pick up wickets.
Rayudu, who has played for India in several international matches, knows a thing or two about facing quality opposition. He believes that Santner’s spin can be particularly effective in the middle overs, where India’s batsmen might be looking to accelerate the scoring rate.
“India should watch out for Mitchell Santner in the middle overs,” Rayudu said. “He’s a very good spinner and can really slow down the scoring rate. He’s got a lot of experience and has done well for New Zealand in the past. He’s someone who can really trouble the Indian batsmen.”
Ravindra, the 22-year-old left-handed batsman, is another player who could cause problems for India. Rayudu believes that Ravindra’s ability to bat at the top of the order could be a game-changer for New Zealand.
“He’s a very good opening batsman and can really set the tone for the innings,” Rayudu said. “He’s got a lot of confidence and has done well for New Zealand in the past. He’s someone who can really hurt India if they don’t get him out early.”
Conway, the 32-year-old opener, is a player who has been flying under the radar for some time. Rayudu believes that Conway could be a dark horse for New Zealand in the final, and that India would do well to watch out for him.
“Devon Conway is a very good opener and has done well for New Zealand in the past,” Rayudu said. “He’s got a lot of experience and has played well in big games. He’s someone who can really surprise India and do some damage if they’re not careful.”
Rayudu’s words of warning are a reminder that India can’t take New Zealand lightly in the final. The Kiwis have been a formidable team throughout the tournament, and will be looking to cause an upset on Sunday.
For India, the key will be to get rid of Santner and Ravindra early on, and then focus on containing Conway’s aggression. With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yuzvendra Chahal in the bowling lineup, India has the firepower to take on the New Zealand batsmen.
However, as Rayudu’s words of warning make clear, India can’t afford to underestimate the Kiwis. New Zealand has a reputation for punching above its weight, and will be looking to do just that in the final.
As the Indian team prepares to face off against New Zealand on Sunday, one thing is clear: the final will be a thrilling contest that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. With Santner, Ravindra, and Conway ready to cause trouble for India, the Kiwis will be looking to pull off a major upset and bring the Champions Trophy back to New Zealand.
