Cricket

Aakash Chopra says New Zealand will be the ‘most dangerous’ threat for India in 2025 Champions Trophy final

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes New Zealand will be the most dangerous threat for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final. The renowned commentator highlighted that the Kiwis have a team, which can beat India.

The Blackcaps have beaten Pakistan, Bangladesh and South Africa in the ongoing tournament. However, they suffered a 44-run loss against India in the group stage match after Varun Chakravarthy bagged a five-wicket haul.

Chopra reckons New Zealand is one of those teams which can challenge India in spin-friendly conditions. The Kiwis have spinners like Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips. The renowned commentator also recalled that New Zealand stunned India by 3-0 in the Test series while playing in India in 2024.

“A big question is – Can New Zealand be the most dangerous threat for India? I think yes. After India, if there is any excellent team for these conditions, it’s either New Zealand or Afghanistan. No other team has that much might, let’s be very honest, when we talk about these conditions,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“I am not undermining anyone, but the truth is that South Africa would have got stuck in these conditions. They would have got stuck if the ball had turned. New Zealand also got stuck once, but they do have the team. They came to India and won three Test matches. They won on turning pitches,” Chopra added.

Chopra highlighted that New Zealand has a decent spin attack and they can trouble India.

“They have three good spinners. Rachin Ravindra picked up a wicket yesterday. So you can assume he too can bowl. Glenn Phillips can also bowl and Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell bowl in any case. So you have got four spinners. After that, you have three decent fast bowlers,” he observed.

The renowned commentator reckons New Zealand can play Devon Conway in place of Will Young.

“I also feel they could play Devon Conway in place of Will Young if they wish. Or else, play both Will Young and Devon Conway, drop a fast bowler, and get more overs out of Glenn Phillips as they would have four spinners and two fast bowlers,” he said.

India will take on New Zealand in the summit clash of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday. 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Aakash Chopra picks his best XI of IPL 2025, picks Shreyas Iyer as captain

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has picked his best XI of IPL 2025. Chopra… Read More

June 5, 2025

Cheteshwar Pujara hails Virat Kohli for evolving his game in IPL 2025

Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara showered praise on Virat Kohli for evolving his game in IPL… Read More

June 5, 2025

Cheteshwar Pujara opens up on RCB’s future after winning IPL 2025, says this is just the beginning

India’s solid batter Cheteshwar Pujara reckons Royal Challengers Bengaluru could get on a roll after… Read More

June 5, 2025

Aakash Chopra lauds Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma’s partnership in IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra hailed the partnership between Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone… Read More

June 5, 2025

Aakash Chopra opens up on Virat Kohli’s knock in IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra noted that Royal Challengers Bengaluru superstar Virat Kohli played… Read More

June 5, 2025

Dinesh Karthik hails support staff after IPL 2025 final win against Punjab Kings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor Dinesh Karthik hailed the team’s think tank after they clinched a… Read More

June 4, 2025