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. The Indian team has been in top form, but former cricketer Ambati Rayudu has warned his countrymen to “watch out” for three Kiwi players who could pose a significant threat to their chances of lifting the trophy.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Rayudu highlighted the importance of Mitchell Santner’s spin in the middle overs, Rachin Ravindra’s batting prowess at the top, and Devon Conway as a potential “dark horse” for the Black Caps. The 39-year-old believes that India needs to be prepared to tackle these players if they hope to emerge victorious.
“Santner is a very skilled bowler, and he’s got the ability to bowl long spells. He’s got the variation, he’s got the guile, and he’s got the experience. He’s a very difficult bowler to face, especially in the middle overs. India needs to be very careful when facing him,” Rayudu said.
Ravindra, who has been in excellent form with the bat, is another player that Rayudu thinks India should be wary of. The young left-hander has been opening the batting for New Zealand, and Rayudu believes that his ability to play aggressively could cause problems for the Indian bowling attack.
“Ravindra is a very aggressive player, and he’s got the ability to take the game away from you. He’s got the shots, he’s got the confidence, and he’s got the experience. India needs to be very careful when facing him, especially in the top order,” Rayudu said.
Conway, who has been in phenomenal form with the bat, is the third player that Rayudu thinks India should be worried about. The left-hander has been a revelation for New Zealand, and Rayudu believes that his ability to play both aggressively and defensively could make him a difficult opponent to face.
“Conway is a very skilled player, and he’s got the ability to play both aggressively and defensively. He’s got the shots, he’s got the footwork, and he’s got the mental toughness. India needs to be very careful when facing him, as he’s a potential dark horse for New Zealand,” Rayudu said.
Rayudu’s warnings come at a time when India is looking to win its first Champions Trophy title since 2013. The team has been in excellent form, winning all its matches in the group stages, but Rayudu believes that New Zealand is not to be underestimated.
“New Zealand is a very difficult team to beat, and they’ve got the talent and the experience to take on any team. India needs to be very careful and prepared to face them if they hope to emerge victorious,” Rayudu said.
The final of the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a thrilling contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. India will need to be at the top of their game to overcome the challenges posed by Santner, Ravindra, and Conway, but with its talented squad and experienced players, it’s not hard to see why Rayudu thinks they have a good chance of lifting the trophy.
In conclusion, Rayudu’s warnings serve as a reminder that India cannot take New Zealand lightly in the Champions Trophy 2025 final. The Kiwis have a talented squad, and with players like Santner, Ravindra, and Conway, they pose a significant threat to India’s chances of lifting the trophy. India will need to be prepared to face these players if they hope to emerge victorious, and with its talented squad and experienced players, it’s not hard to see why Rayudu thinks they have a good chance of lifting the trophy.
