New Zealand coach Gary Stead warned his team about India’s star spinner Varun Chakravarthy ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 final.
Highlights:
- New Zealand coach Gary Stead wants his team to be cautious of India’s big threat in the Champions Trophy final.
- India will face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on March 9.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand is set for March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams are preparing hard for the title clash.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead wants his team to be cautious of Varun Chakravarthy in the Champions Trophy final.
India and New Zealand will face each other for the second time in the 2025 Champions Trophy. In their group-stage clash, India won by 44 runs, scoring 249 before bowling out New Zealand for 205. Varun Chakravarthy starred with the ball, taking a brilliant five-wicket haul to secure India’s victory.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has warned his team about India’s big threat ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. He wants his batters to be cautious of Varun Chakravarthy, who was the key player in dismantling New Zealand’s lineup in their league-stage clash.
Stead said, “We certainly expect him to play after getting 5/42 against us in the last game. He’s a class bowler, showed his skills last time, and he’s a big threat in the game.”
Stead added to the pre-final tension with an update on New Zealand pacer Matt Henry’s availability. Henry’s participation remains uncertain due to a shoulder injury sustained while taking a catch against South Africa in the semifinal. Though he returned to bowl after briefly leaving the field, Stead admitted that his fitness is still unclear despite the team’s hopes for his recovery.
New Zealand’s hopes for victory largely depend on Matt Henry’s presence and leadership in their pace attack. He has been outstanding in the tournament, leading the wicket charts with 10 wickets in four games, including a brilliant five-wicket haul against India. The team is eagerly awaiting his full recovery, as his role is crucial for their chances in the final.
Stead said, “The positive thing is he got back out there to bowl. We’ve done scans, and we’ll give him every chance to play. But it’s still a bit unknown. He’s pretty sore from landing on his shoulder. Hopefully, he will be okay.”
