The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off on Wednesday, February 19, with a blockbuster opening match between defending champions Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. However, as the tournament builds up steam, the focus isn’t just on the hosts—India, the world’s No. 1 ODI team, is gearing up for a high-stakes campaign, starting with a match against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
But here’s the twist—while fans and analysts have marked the India vs. Pakistan clash on February 23 as the most anticipated match of the tournament, former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has thrown a curveball. In a surprising statement, Karthik has named New Zealand—not Pakistan—as India’s toughest challenge in the eight-team tournament. His reasoning? The Kiwis have consistently troubled India in ICC tournaments, and their current form makes them a formidable opponent.
Why Dinesh Karthik Thinks New Zealand is India’s Biggest Threat?
Dinesh Karthik, who was part of the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squad under MS Dhoni, recently shared his insights on Cricbuzz’s HeyCB with DK show. His take on India’s toughest hurdle raised eyebrows:
“I think in Group A, India’s hardest opponent is going to be New Zealand. Yes. They are playing some very good cricket, and we also know how they have troubled us consistently in multi-nation tournaments.”
According to Karthik, New Zealand’s ability to perform under pressure in ICC events is what makes them India’s biggest threat. And while Pakistan vs. India is always an intense rivalry, he believes the Kiwis’ structured game plan, depth in batting, and lethal bowling attack could prove to be India’s real challenge.
Kane Williamson – The Key Man for New Zealand
Karthik emphasized that if India wants to neutralize the Kiwi threat, one name stands out—Kane Williamson.
“And I feel the key in New Zealand again will be Williamson’s wicket because he always plays well under pressure. So again, a key wicket for us will be Williamson. He is someone to watch out for.”
The numbers back up Karthik’s claim. Williamson has been in red-hot form, scoring 58, 133, and 34 in his last three ODIs*. The New Zealand captain has a history of performing on the biggest stages, and with his cool temperament and technical brilliance, he remains the backbone of his team.
India vs. New Zealand – A Rivalry of Heartbreaks and Redemption
For Indian fans, New Zealand has been a recurring nightmare in ICC tournaments. The scars of past encounters run deep:
- 2019 World Cup Semi-Final – New Zealand shattered India’s dreams in a rain-affected, two-day thriller in Manchester.
- 2021 World Test Championship Final – India fell short yet again as New Zealand clinched the inaugural title in England.
- 2021 T20 World Cup – A must-win game for India, but the Kiwis dominated, knocking them out of the tournament.
Given this history, India vs. New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai is set to be a grudge match. Can India finally break the Kiwi curse, or will Williamson’s men continue their ICC dominance?
Champions Trophy 2025: What’s at Stake?
For Pakistan, the Champions Trophy is about defending their 2017 title. For India, it’s about reclaiming glory and proving their dominance in ICC events. And for New Zealand, it’s about reinforcing their status as one of the most dangerous teams in world cricket.
- Pakistan kicks off their campaign against New Zealand on February 19.
- India’s first match is against Bangladesh on February 20.
- The high-octane India vs. Pakistan clash takes place on February 23.
- India’s final Group A match is against New Zealand on March 2.
Mitchell Santner Leading New Zealand – A New Challenge for India?
Unlike previous tournaments where Kane Williamson led New Zealand, this time, Mitchell Santner will captain the side. The left-arm all-rounder brings a fresh leadership dynamic, and with key players like Williamson, Devon Conway, and Matt Henry in top form, New Zealand poses a unique challenge.
With their history of turning up on the big stage, the Kiwis will be eager to spoil India’s campaign and make a statement in Group A.
Who Has the Edge – India or New Zealand?
Why India Might Win:
- In-Form Batting Order – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill are at their peak.
- Spin Attack Advantage – With Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav in the mix, India can exploit Dubai’s conditions.
- Experience In High-Pressure Games – With stalwarts like Kohli and Rohit, India has the firepower to handle crunch situations.
Why New Zealand Might Win:
- Kane Williamson’s leadership – A captain who thrives in ICC events.
- Fearless middle order – Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell can accelerate at will.
- Tactical bowling attack – Santner’s spin combined with Matt Henry’s seam movement could trouble India’s top order.
Is Karthik Right?
Dinesh Karthik’s prediction goes against popular opinion, but history suggests he might be onto something. While the world gears up for India vs. Pakistan, it might just be India vs. New Zealand that turns out to be the real battle for supremacy.
Can India finally overcome their New Zealand jinx, or will Williamson’s men once again prove why they are the giant killers of ICC tournaments?
The countdown to March 2 has begun.
