India Must Watch Out for Santner, Rachin & Conway in Final: Rayudu
The stage is set for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand, with the two teams gearing up to face off in the desert city of Dubai on Sunday. As the Indian team prepares to take on the Kiwis, former cricketer Ambati Rayudu has sounded a warning about the threat posed by three New Zealand players, urging India to “watch out” for them.
Rayudu, a 39-year-old veteran of the Indian cricket team, has identified Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway as the players who can cause trouble for India in the final. In an interview with Sportskeeda, Rayudu highlighted the strengths of each player, warning India to be prepared for a tough contest.
First up is Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand spinner who has been in impressive form in the tournament. Rayudu believes that Santner’s spin in the middle overs can prove to be a major problem for India’s batsmen. “Santner is a very clever bowler. He knows how to vary his pace and spin to perfection. He’s got a lot of experience and has played a lot of big games. He’s someone who can really trouble our batsmen in the middle overs,” Rayudu said.
Santner has indeed been a key player for New Zealand in the tournament, taking 10 wickets in the group stages and helping his team to a convincing win over England in the semifinals. His ability to spin the ball both ways and his experience in big games make him a formidable opponent for India’s batsmen.
Next is Rachin Ravindra, the 22-year-old opener who has been making waves with his impressive batting performances in the tournament. Rayudu believes that Ravindra’s ability to bat at the top of the order can cause trouble for India’s bowlers. “Ravindra is a very talented young player. He’s got a lot of confidence and is not afraid to take on the best bowlers. He’s got a good range of shots and is someone who can really trouble our bowlers in the powerplay,” Rayudu said.
Ravindra has indeed been impressive in the tournament, scoring 220 runs at an average of 55 and helping New Zealand to win two of their three group stage matches. His ability to take on the best bowlers and his experience of playing in big games make him a player to watch out for in the final.
Finally, there is Devon Conway, the 30-year-old opener who has been in scintillating form in the tournament. Rayudu believes that Conway is a potential “dark horse” for New Zealand and can cause trouble for India’s bowlers. “Conway is a very underrated player. He’s got a lot of experience and has played a lot of big games. He’s someone who can really trouble our bowlers with his footwork and shot selection. He’s a potential dark horse for New Zealand,” Rayudu said.
Conway has indeed been impressive in the tournament, scoring 350 runs at an average of 70 and helping New Zealand to win three of their four group stage matches. His ability to bat at the top of the order and his experience of playing in big games make him a player to watch out for in the final.
In conclusion, Rayudu’s warning about Santner, Ravindra, and Conway serves as a reminder that India needs to be prepared for a tough contest in the Champions Trophy 2025 final. While India has a strong team on paper, New Zealand has shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in the tournament. As the two teams face off in Dubai on Sunday, India will need to be at their best to overcome the Kiwis and lift the trophy.
