As India prepares for the highly anticipated India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final on March 9 in Dubai, former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has identified two key players who could pose a significant challenge—Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner.
While India enters the final as favorites, Karthik believes that neutralizing Williamson’s composed presence at the crease and countering Santner’s deceptive spin bowling will be crucial for India’s chances of lifting the trophy. Speaking to CricBuzz, he emphasized that although India has been dominant throughout the tournament, New Zealand remains a dangerous team in high-pressure knockout matches, making the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final a tough contest.
Kane Williamson – The Backbone of New Zealand’s Batting Lineup
One of the biggest threats to India’s success in the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final, according to Karthik, is Kane Williamson, the backbone of New Zealand’s batting order. A calm and consistent batter, Williamson is known for his ability to anchor innings, absorb pressure, and build partnerships, making him an essential player for the Kiwis.
“I feel Kane Williamson again because he’s someone who can bat through the middle nicely,” Karthik told CricBuzz, stressing the importance of not allowing him to settle at the crease in the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final.
Williamson’s recent form has been outstanding, as he played a match-defining century in New Zealand’s semi-final victory over South Africa. His ability to adapt to different conditions and handle India’s strong bowling attack will be key for New Zealand’s chances in the final.
Why India Needs to Beware of Williamson in the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final:
✔ Big-match player – Has delivered in multiple ICC tournament knockout games.
✔ Excellent against spin – Can neutralize India’s key bowlers like Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
✔ Mentally strong – Handles pressure situations with ease and builds long innings.
If India can remove Williamson early, they will significantly weaken New Zealand’s middle order and put pressure on their batting lineup in the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final.
Mitchell Santner – The Silent Gamechanger on a Spin-Friendly Pitch
Karthik also highlighted Mitchell Santner as a major threat, particularly given the spin-friendly conditions in Dubai.
Santner has been New Zealand’s best bowler in the tournament so far, having already claimed seven wickets with his precise and economical bowling. His ability to vary pace, deceive batters with flight, and control the run flow makes him a huge challenge for India’s aggressive batting unit in the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final.
“Santner is a big issue because he doesn’t give away anything. A very, very wily customer, knows what to do correctly. He’ll bowl one outside, one this way, one that way. Painful. And also a good leader,” Karthik said.
Unlike some other spinners, Santner is not reliant on sharp turn but instead traps batters with his accuracy and subtle variations. This could be a tough test for India’s middle order, especially against left-arm spin, which has troubled them in the past in previous India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final encounters.
Why Santner is a Big Threat to India in the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final:
✔ Exceptional control over line and length – Doesn’t allow batters to free their arms.
✔ Effective in UAE conditions – Dubai’s dry pitch will assist his style of bowling.
✔ Key player in middle overs – Can build pressure and break partnerships.
With India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final set to be played on a pitch that assists spin, Karthik pointed out that this advantage could also work in Santner’s favor, as he is already accustomed to the conditions.
New Zealand’s Reputation in Knockout Games – A Major Concern for India
While India defeated New Zealand in the group stage, Karthik warned that New Zealand has a history of performing in high-pressure knockout matches, making them a dangerous opponent in the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final.
“They are a good team. They are the team to beat. They are the best team in this tournament. It’s great to see New Zealand there. And if India need to win, they need to beat the best team. And that will be New Zealand,” he added.
This statement highlights how New Zealand has consistently punched above their weight in ICC tournaments, reaching multiple finals in recent years, including the 2019 World Cup and the 2021 World Test Championship, where they defeated India.
With a well-balanced squad, strong leadership, and a history of performing under pressure, New Zealand will not make things easy for India in the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final.
What India Needs to Do to Counter Williamson and Santner in the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final
✔ Early Wickets are Key – If India dismisses Williamson early, they can disrupt New Zealand’s batting plans.
✔ Use Spin Wisely Against Williamson – Bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja will need to be tactically sharp to break his rhythm.
✔ Tackle Santner with Smart Batting – India’s batters must be patient, rotate strike effectively, and avoid unnecessary risks.
✔ Capitalize on Powerplay – India’s top order, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, must dominate early to put pressure on New Zealand in the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final.
A Final to Watch: India vs New Zealand for ICC Glory
With both teams eyeing the trophy, the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final promises to be a thrilling contest.
India has been dominant throughout the tournament, but New Zealand’s big-match experience and tactical approach make them formidable opponents. If India wants to clinch the title, they must find a way to counter Williamson’s batting and Santner’s bowling—two players who could tilt the game in New Zealand’s favor.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the final, one question remains—Can India overcome these challenges and lift the Champions Trophy, or will New Zealand once again prove why they are the ultimate knockout specialists?
The answer awaits on March 9 in Dubai, as the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Final unfolds in what promises to be an epic battle for ICC glory. 🏆🔥
