Dubai: The Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand promises to be a thrilling encounter. India remains undefeated in the tournament, while New Zealand has lost just one match—against India in the group stage. This marks India’s third consecutive ICC limited-overs final, following the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup.
Venue Advantage Debate
One of the major talking points ahead of the final is whether India gained an undue advantage by playing all their matches in Dubai. Unlike other teams that traveled across multiple venues, India’s fixtures were pre-decided due to BCCI’s decision not to send the team to Pakistan, the tournament’s official host.
Former England cricketers Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton have claimed that India benefited from reduced travel time and familiarity with conditions. However, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed these claims.
“I can only laugh at the questions about ‘home advantage’. In the 2009 Champions Trophy, South Africa played all their matches at the same venue and didn’t reach the final. It’s not their fault. Let’s accept that India have played top-class cricket and deserve their place in the final,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin also criticized the tendency to blame Indian pitches for losses:
“There is one team that comes to India, loses 4-0, and blames the pitch. Please don’t throw mud on our players with these narratives. Even some Indians buying into this is disappointing.”
New Zealand’s Perspective
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead acknowledged the challenges of extensive travel, especially after their semifinal win against South Africa.
“Playing in Lahore and then having a full day of travel takes a toll, but we now have time for recovery and planning. At this stage, it’s about getting our body and mind ready for the final,” Stead told the media.
Final Showdown Awaits
With both teams in top form, the India vs New Zealand final is set to be a high-intensity clash. While venue debates continue, the focus will ultimately be on which team delivers the best performance under pressure.
