India must watch out for Santner, Rachin & Conway in final: Rayudu
The stage is set for the final showdown of the Champions Trophy 2025, with India gearing up to take on New Zealand in the title decider. As the two teams prepare to face off in Dubai on Sunday, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has sounded a warning to the Indian team, identifying three key players from the Kiwis who could pose a significant threat to their title hopes.
Rayudu, a seasoned campaigner with over 10 years of international experience, has highlighted Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway as the players who India must be wary of if they hope to lift the trophy.
“India should definitely watch out for these three players,” Rayudu said in an interview. “Santner’s spin in the middle overs is a big concern for us. He has the ability to slow down the game and strangle the opposition, and if we don’t play him cleverly, he can make it difficult for us to score runs.”
Santner, a left-arm spinner, has been in excellent form in the Champions Trophy, taking 8 wickets in 6 matches at an economy rate of 4.67. His ability to vary his pace and flight has made him a difficult proposition for batsmen, and Rayudu believes that India will need to be at their best to counter his threat.
Ravindra, on the other hand, has been a revelation at the top of the order for New Zealand, scoring 243 runs at an average of 60.75. Rayudu praised the young batsman’s ability to adapt to different situations and conditions, saying, “Ravindra is a very talented player who can play both aggressively and defensively. He’s got the ability to play long innings and set the tone for the team.”
Conway, a left-handed opener, has been a consistent performer for New Zealand, scoring 272 runs at an average of 54.40. Rayudu believes that Conway is a potential “dark horse” in the final, saying, “Conway is a very underrated player who can play a big role in the game. He’s got the ability to rotate the strike and take the game away from the opposition.”
Rayudu’s warning to India is a timely reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the final. While India have been in excellent form throughout the tournament, New Zealand have shown remarkable resilience and determination to reach the final.
India will need to be at their best if they hope to overcome the Kiwis and lift the trophy. Santner’s spin, Ravindra’s batting, and Conway’s aggression will all be key factors in the outcome of the game, and Rayudu’s words of caution serve as a reminder of the importance of preparing well for the challenge ahead.
In conclusion, India must indeed watch out for Santner, Rachin, and Conway in the final. These three players have the potential to make a significant impact on the game, and India will need to be at their best if they hope to emerge victorious. The stage is set for a thrilling finale, and cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the outcome.
