As the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final approaches, Team India is all set to face New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India aims to clinch their third Champions Trophy title. The Men in Blue have been unbeaten throughout the tournament, while New Zealand’s only defeat came against India in the group stage.
Both sides are in excellent form, promising an intense and closely contested final. While much attention will be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin has identified a different name as India’s biggest trump card in the final — Shreyas Iyer.
Why Shreyas Iyer Could Be New Zealand’s Biggest Challenge
According to Ashwin, Iyer’s consistent form and improved game against short-pitched deliveries make him a serious threat. Batting at number four, Iyer has amassed 195 runs in four matches at an average of 48.75, including two crucial half-centuries.
Sharing his thoughts on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said:
“I believe Shreyas Iyer will once again play a key role in the final. He has worked hard on his weakness against the short ball, and on Dubai’s slow pitches, that won’t be a major concern for him.”
CHECK IND VS NZ CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 LIVE SCORE AND UPDATES HERE
Iyer’s Strength Against Spin – A Key Factor in Dubai
The slow, turning pitch at the Dubai International Stadium plays into Iyer’s strengths. With New Zealand boasting a strong spin attack featuring Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips, Iyer’s ability to counter spin could be crucial.
While Shubman Gill is also a reliable player of spin, Iyer’s recent form has stood out. Despite maintaining a career strike rate near 100 in ODIs, Iyer has shown adaptability in this tournament, batting at a more controlled strike rate below 80 when the situation demanded.
Ashwin further added:
“Shreyas Iyer’s presence allows Virat Kohli to play his natural game. When Kohli and Iyer are at the crease, the opposition’s spin tactics often become ineffective. Iyer takes the pressure off Virat.”
Iyer’s Impressive Record Against New Zealand
New Zealand will need to be cautious, as Iyer’s track record against them is outstanding. In just eight ODI innings versus the Kiwis, Iyer has scored two centuries and six half-centuries. His performances in ICC events have been even more remarkable, with a century and a half-century in just three matches against New Zealand across the 2023 ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy 2025.
With his ability to anchor the innings and dominate spin, Shreyas Iyer could emerge as the game-changer India needs to secure yet another ICC trophy.
