As India prepares for the high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, fans across the country are showing their support in unique and heartfelt ways. In Varanasi, cricket enthusiasts gathered to perform a traditional ‘aarti,’ offering prayers for Team India’s triumph.
Similarly, in Kanpur, supporters conducted a ‘havan’ at the Radha Madhav Temple, seeking divine blessings for India’s victory in the much-anticipated clash.
In Kolkata, cricket coach Arijit Majumder shared his optimism, praising India’s well-rounded team. “If I speak from the heart, I am positive that India will win. Technically, it will be a good match. Both teams have strong combinations, but with experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India has an edge,” Majumder remarked.
Ahead of the final, India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill hailed the current squad’s strength, calling it the best batting lineup he has ever been part of. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Gill lauded the presence of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and the depth in the middle order, which allows the top-order players to bat with more freedom.
“I think this is the best batting lineup I have been part of personally. Rohit and Virat are all-time greats in one-day cricket. Rohit is one of the best white-ball openers, and Virat is among the greatest ODI batsmen ever,” Gill said.
He also praised the in-form middle-order players like Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja. “Our batting depth makes it easier for the top-order batsmen. We can play more freely because we have such strong support down the order,” he added.
Reflecting on India’s earlier challenges, Gill acknowledged that the lack of batting depth had previously put pressure on the top-order. “There was a time when the batting depth wasn’t enough, and the top-order had to take on more responsibility. But now, with the balance we have, everyone can play their natural game,” he explained.
India remains undefeated in the tournament, while New Zealand has also demonstrated solid form under captain Mitchell Santner. The final promises to be an epic showdown, with India looking to avenge their previous losses to the Black Caps in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal and the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final.
In their most recent encounter, India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs, with the Men in Blue posting 249 runs in 50 overs and bowling out the Kiwis for 205 in the 46th over. India’s spinners played a crucial role in that victory, led by Varun Chakaravarthy’s impressive 5/42.
As fans across the nation continue their prayers and rituals, the anticipation for this thrilling final reaches fever pitch. All eyes are on Dubai, where India hopes to lift yet another ICC trophy and bring joy to millions of supporters worldwide.
