New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner with support staff inspects the pitch during a practice session ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final cricket match against India in Dubai on March 8, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Mitchell Santner felt his side could take valuable lessons from last week’s loss to India into the final on Sunday (March 9, 2025).
“It was a challenging game. India played very well. I think we did a lot of good stuff in that game. We came up against a good side and on a spinning wicket, especially in the second innings,” said the New Zealand skipper.
“But I think, having the run against India here a few days ago will help us understand the conditions a little bit better.”
The Black Caps’ two ICC titles—the 2000 ICC Knockouts and 2021 World Test Championship triumph—came against India, and Santner hoped his side could be a third-time lucky against the Men in Blue.
On the plans to tackle Varun Chakaravarthy, who scalped a five-for last week, Santner felt the batters would be better prepared, considering a few of them had faced him for the first time in the league encounter.
“If the pitch plays a similar way, he will be a challenge along with all three of their other spinners. I think boys will be ready for tomorrow and will look at a little bit more footage. We know what his threats are now.”
“That 115 kph arm ball, that got me; that was a bit of a threat,” joked Santner, who was castled by Varun.
Like India, New Zealand has four spin options, and Santner was pleased by the crucial breakthroughs given by part-timers Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips.
“I think having a few all-rounders makes the balance of the side good. We can still play the seamers if we need to. I think that the way everyone has kind of stepped up at different times is one of the most pleasing things. We have seen (Glenn) Phillips do it with a bat and in the field, but he has taken some key wickets this tournament. And obviously, Rachin’s spell the other day (vs South Africa) was awesome as well,” said Santner.
Published – March 08, 2025 09:58 pm IST
Content Source: www.thehindu.com