Ravi Shastri: ‘If there’s one team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand’
Former India coach Ravi Shastri said India are the firm favourites to win the 2025 Champions Trophy but New Zealand won’t give them a walkover in the final. India will take on New Zealand in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
“If there’s one team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand,” Shastri said in ‘The ICC Review’.
“So India start as favourites but only just,” he said.
Shastri also highlighted Virat Kohli’s current form as a potential game-changer, while also acknowledging Williamson’s ability to seize crucial moments.
“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.
“So from New Zealand, I would say Williamson. To an extent, 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.” Ravindra, at just 25, has already accumulated five centuries in ICC 50-over tournaments — the youngest to achieve the feat.
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“I just like the way he moves in the crease,” Shastri said.
“There’s an element of fluency, which is fabulous to see. He’s either forward, he’s back, he’ll cut, he’ll sweep it, play the quicks well, and he’s got a very good temperament.
“You don’t get hundreds in big tournaments like this just like that. You’ve got to have something up your sleeve, and I think he’s immensely talented.”
“He’s (Williamson) very stable and there’s an element of calmness, a no-nonsense element about him the way he goes about his job,” Shastri said.
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“He’s like a saint, a sage, just sitting, meditating. Lot of people look at the big shots, I look at the way he moves in the crease. There’s an element of fluency.
“Joe Root when he’s batting at his best. He’s forward, back. Kohli (as well). When people move in the crease, the footwork is sound.
“It’s a joy to watch. And then with their experience, their talent, the volume of runs they’ve got, doesn’t matter what format they play,” added Shastri.
