The Indian cricket team have been in sublime form in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, registering comprehensive victories against Bangladesh and Pakistan to comfortably secure their place in the semi-finals from Group A.
India’s unbeaten run in the Champions Trophy 2025
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India have showcased a well-balanced performance with both bat and ball, making them one of the strongest contenders for the title. The Men in Blue now face New Zealand on March 2, a match that will determine the table-topper of Group A. Although the result will not impact semi-final qualification, it is still a highly anticipated clash, as New Zealand has historically troubled India in ICC events. This fixture presents a great opportunity for the Indian team to gain momentum heading into the knockouts while also testing their squad depth and tactical adjustments against a formidable opponent.
Mohammad Kaif proposes a vital adjustment in India’s playing XI for the New Zealand game
Ahead of this crucial encounter, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has suggested that India should make a tactical change in their playing XI by including off-spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar. Kaif highlighted that New Zealand’s batting lineup consists of several left-handed batters, making Sundar’s off-spin a valuable weapon against them. His tweet on X (formerly Twitter) emphasized that giving Sundar a game now could also serve as a preparation strategy, should India face New Zealand again in the final.
He pointed out that players like Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham, Michael Bracewell, and Mitchell Santner are all left-handers, and having an off-spinner like Sundar could help counter them effectively. Since the Indian team has been relying on left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, along with wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, introducing an off-spinner in the mix could add variety and strengthen India’s bowling attack against the Blackcaps.
“It’s not a bad idea to play Washington Sundar against a NZ side full of lefties – Conway, Rachin, Latham, Bracewell, Santner. They could well be our final opponent. So worth testing them against Washington,” Kaif wrote.
It’s not a bad idea to play Washington Sundar against a NZ side full of lefties – Conway, Rachin, Latham, Bracewell, Santner. They could well be our final opponent. So worth testing them against Washington.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 27, 2025
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India’s attack and recent performances
So far in the tournament, the Indian team has opted for a three-pronged spin attack comprising Jadeja, Axar, and Kuldeep, leaving Sundar out of the playing XI. The trio has been highly effective, contributing with both the ball and bat, which is why the team management has been reluctant to make any changes. Sundar recently played in India’s three-match home ODI series against England earlier this month, featuring in just one match where he bowled five overs for 43 runs, picking up one wicket, and also contributed 14 runs off 14 balls. Though his recent international outings have been limited, he has proven in the past that he can be a handy bowler against left-handers, apart from being a reliable lower-order batter.
Why this match still holds importance despite qualification?
Although both India and New Zealand have already secured semi-final spots, this match remains significant for multiple reasons. Apart from deciding the table-topper of Group A, this fixture serves as an opportunity for India to experiment with their lineup, especially considering that New Zealand could potentially be their final opponent.
Historically, the Blackcaps have been a major obstacle for India in ICC tournaments, having eliminated them in the ODI World Cup semi-final 2019, the World Test Championship final 2021, and challenging them in multiple white-ball events. Even though India convincingly defeated New Zealand in the ODI World Cup semi-final 2023, past encounters have shown that the Kiwis have a knack for performing well against India in ICC events. With that in mind, this game is a chance for India to assert their dominance and build psychological pressure ahead of the knockouts. Additionally, since India have had a long break after their last match against Pakistan, this game will also help the players regain match rhythm before the high-stakes semi-finals.
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