As India gear up to take on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final on Sunday, they are on the brink of history, aiming for a second ICC title in a span of less than a year after their stunning victory in the 2024 ICC T20I World Cup. With a dominant performance throughout the tournament, the Men in Blue have proven their mettle on the world stage and now stand ready to face New Zealand in Champions Trophy final, scheduled to be held on Sunday in Dubai. After a series of impressive performances in the Champions Trophy, India remain unbeaten, showcasing depth in all departments. Moreover, they have been consolidated by legend Virat Kohli's return to form and the potency in their middle order.

Their spinners, led by the likes of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel have been particularly outstanding, helping the side with their strangling bowling attack. Now, with the final on the horizon, these spin maestros are expected to play a pivotal role in India’s bid for glory. India outplayed New Zealand in a group match in Dubai last weekend and uncanny spinner Varun Chakravarthy claimed 5-42 to break the back of New Zealand batters. India will once again hope to do better to lift the trophy. 

New Zealand, on the other hand, have been equally impressive in the tournament. The Kiwis have shown consistency and their strong all-round performances have propelled them to this final. While they have not had the same dominant streak as India, New Zealand’s ability to bounce back from precarious situations make them tough opponents. The Black Caps’ captain, Mitchell Santner, has led from the front, and with players like Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips contributing hugely, New Zealand will be incredibly hopeful.

It is confirmed that New Zealand will certainly not go down without a fight. Meanwhile, there is no confirmation whether New Zealand pace spearhead Matt Henry will be available or not. Henry, who is tournament's leading wicket-taker, picked up a shoulder injury while taking an excellent catch in the deep in the semi-final against South Africa.

India Probable XI - Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand Probable XI - Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham(wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Kyle Jamieson, William O’ Rourke, Matt Henry/Jacob Duffy