In less than 24 hours, we will see the tussle for the ICC Champions Trophy settle in. Either India will end their flawless tournament with another stupendous triumph or New Zealand will put their “underdogs” tag to bin and get their deserving crown. Whoever wins, there’s no denying that both India and New Zealand have been two of the best teams in the tournament. While the likes of Australia and South Africa had their moments, they weren’t as dominant as the Men in Blue and Men in Black. Before the much-awaited final, we see a combined XI. These 11 players have been the match-winners in the Champions Trophy so far and don’t be surprised if these men turn up again in the summit clash.
Rachin-Gill to open with Kohli at 3
The two selected openers are Rachin Ravindra and Shubman Gill. These two will be dominating world cricket for years to come. They are the present and future of their teams and have truly shown at the Champions Trophy so far. Both have pummeled centuries against Bangladesh. Rachin looks in pristine touch, while Gill has lived up to his vice-captaincy duties as well.
At number three is perhaps the greatest ODI batter, Virat Kohli, who is having another blockbuster ICC campaign. The modern-day master has made 217 runs at 72.33. His century against Pakistan was quite magnificent but the 84 Kohli made against Australia in the semi was out of ordinary.
Shreyas Iyer, Latham, Phillips form middle-order
The middle-order of this imaginary team will see Shreyas Iyer, Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips. Shreyas Iyer has been a revelation at number four for India. His presence, in fact, allows the likes of Gill and Kohli to bide their time in. Iyer likes of take the game on, unsettling the opposition bowlers quite emphatically. In the ongoing Champions Trophy, he has made 195 runs at 48.75. In two games, Iyer has two half-centuries, one of which came against New Zealand only.
At number five and six are Latham and Phillips. The two Kiwi batters have done remarkably well ever since the tri-nation series begun. Latham scored a match-winning century in the tournament-opener against Pakistan, while Phillips’ fielding alone can make him play for almost all the nations. Latham has made 191 runs at 63.66, Phillips has 143 runs at a superb SR of 140.19. Also, Latham’s keeping has been admirable too, a reason why KL Rahul didn’t find a place in this XI.
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Axar Patel, Santner: Two key cogs
Now comes two magnificent left-arm spinners, Axar Patel and Mitchell Santner. Both have made the art of bowling left-arm spin could easy to watch. Their main weapon is the way the two wary their flight and pace. While Axar has flighted a lot more, Santner has banked on his discipline. Also, both add depth in batting as well. While Santner has plucked 7 wickets, Axar has so far took 5.
Bowling attack: Shami, Chakaravarthy & Matt Henry
Here comes the three frontline bowlers. Mohammed Shami’s return has been heartening to watch. While some would say he is still not at his 100%, Shami’s bowling has been quite impressive. He has spearheaded the pace attack superbly, taking 8 wickets (most for IND) so far at 19.87. Only Matt Henry has more wickets than Shami. Henry, who has dark clouds due to his fitness issues before the final, has been quite magnificent for the Kiwis. He is the leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps at 16.70. Last but not the least is Varun Chakaravarthy, whose resurgence has been outlandish. Batters haven’t read him. Case in point New Zealand’s bashing when he took a fifer! Despite playing just two games, the mystery tweaker has taken 7 wickets at an unbelievable average of 13.00.
Combined XI for India & New Zealand at ICC Champions Trophy
| S. No. | Player | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rachin Ravindra | New Zealand |
| 2 | Shubman Gill | India |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India |
| 4 | Shreyas Iyer | India |
| 5 | Tom Latham (WK) | New Zealand |
| 6 | Glenn Phillips | New Zealand |
| 7 | Axar Patel | India |
| 8 | Mitchell Santner | New Zealand |
| 9 | Mohammed Shami | India |
| 10 | Varun Chakaravarthy | India |
| 11 | Matt Henry | New Zealand |
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