As the much-anticipated final showdown between India and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy approaches, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has shared his thoughts on the players who will likely play a decisive role in determining the champion. Two powerhouses India and New Zealand, who have made it to the final following their powerful performances during the group stage, will battle it out in the final on Sunday in Dubai.
Shastri has singled out three players whom he believes will be pivotal in the outcome of the match. He believes Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra will hold the key if their respective sides were to win the title.
“Now (on) current form, Kohli. When these guys get hot and you let them get their first 10 runs, then they're trouble. Whether it's Williamson, whether it's Kohli,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.
“So from New Zealand, I would say Williamson. To an extent, Rachin Ravindra, he is a fabulous young player. But these guys when they smell the coffee and you let them, in a final, get to that 10-15, then they're doubly dangerous.”
Shastri also talked about the Player of the Match award, backing the all-rounders Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.
“Player of the Match, I would go for an all-rounder,” he said.
“I'll say Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja from India. From New Zealand, I think that Glenn Phillips has something up. He might just show flashes of brilliance in the field. He might come and smash a cameo of 40, 50 and probably surprise you by taking a wicket or two.”