India go head-to-head against New Zealand in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday, March 9, 2025. (Streaming | Full Coverage | More Cricket News)

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team are unbeaten in this tournament and will look to win only their second Champions Trophy title after 2013 as they take on the challenge of the Kiwis, led by the mercurial Mitchell Santner.

The BlackCaps, who lost their group A game to India on the same venue, have the technical know-how and familiarity of the conditions ahead of the big game on Sunday. The Kiwis, who whitewashed Rohit Sharma's Test side back home, will look to add another insult to injury in Dubai.

As India prepare for the final match against New Zealand on Sunday, let's take a look at three key player battles that will be worthy to watch

1. Rohit Sharma vs Matt Henry

These two have been very familiar with each other from their battles on the field in recent months. India and New Zealand have faced each other in Test cricket and now go head-to-head again in the white-ball arena. Rohit Sharma will look to give his side a fast start in the final, but Matt Henry's pace could derail the momentum. Sharma, who has a slow Champions Trophy so far, could come big in the final against a Kiwis side, who know how to weaken the opposition. Sharma's blistering batting versus Henry's pace could be a treat to watch on Sunday.

BY PTI

2. Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Santner

Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner has taken 7 wickets in this tournament at an average of 27.71. Capable with the bat as well, his battle against the in-form Virat Kohli could be one to watch out. Kohli, who has 217 runs in this tournament, has found form at the right time, but with dryness of the Dubai pitch, Santner could come into play on Sunday. The former India captain is familiar with the Dubai conditions, but Santner might have different plans come this Sunday in the Champions Trophy 2025 final.

3. Varun Chakaravarthy vs Rachin Ravindra

Many thought India's bowling attack would wear a depleted look thanks to an injury to Jasprit Bumrah but mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has dispelled all those thoughts. The 33-year-old has 7 wickets in mere two games and staked his place in the team, thanks to his bowling performances. He would be up against an in-form Rachin Ravindra, who is fresh from scoring a century in the semi-final. The all-rounder, who has amassed 226 runs in three games, could look to wreck havoc on Sunday and spoil India's plans.

Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer,ijogo cassino Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh

New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillipsbetweb, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke, Daryl Mitchell, Nathan Smith, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy