Now, the talks of taking revenge for the WC 2023 final against Australia are gone after the Men in Blue thumped the Aussies in the CT 2025 semifinal. Now all eyes are on the CT 2025 final against New Zealand. Recently, former India batter Saba Karim spoke about how well the current Indian team is looking for the final. New Zealand, who have also caused India several heartbreaks in ICC tournaments, whether in the ODI World Cup 2019 or the WTC Final 2021, will pose a strong challenge.
On top of that, the Black Caps were the team that defeated India in the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy (as the Champions Trophy was previously called). However, now things look a little different, and many experts believe this Indian team looks lethal, with their bases well covered. Speaking about Karim, he also felt the same, stating that the Men in Blue have the best combination and are looking strong. According to him, it is Shreyas Iyer who could play a match-winning role in the CT 2025 final for India.
Saba Karim’s take on India’s potential X factor
“Oh yes, I think India have got the right kind of players to win this Champions Trophy. After 2013, we had the opportunity to win in 2017, but this time around, I think India have got the right kind of players to win on a track like that because India have got spinners, and they are filled with experienced batters. Shreyas Iyer is in good form,” Saba Karim said during a discussion on Star Sports
Saba Karim on India’s chances in Champions Trophy final
“I am not even going towards Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Those two are your experienced batters. But having said that, I do believe that New Zealand can turn out to be formidable opponents because they are very high on their work ethics and energy. They are so spirited. So one can expect a good fight, but, in the end, I have full faith in my team,” the former India selector added.
India in top form in ODI
The Men in Blue came to the Champions Trophy after demolishing England 3-0, winning all the group games, and then the Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia. Things are on track for Rohit Sharma and company. But it is also a fact that the Black Caps are surely not an easy team to beat. Yes, they have suffered heartbreaks in such tournaments in the past, but they still have a good record against India in ICC tournaments, and that’s why the upcoming match looks interesting.
