Ravi Shastri’s Bold Predictions for Champions Trophy Final: Key Players and Insights
Ravi Shastri predicts outcomes for the Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand, highlighting key players like Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Glenn Phillips. He notes their significant performances in the tournament and suggests potential adjustments based on pitch conditions. Shastri emphasizes New Zealand’s capability to challenge India, acknowledging their strong form and competitiveness in the final.
Ravi Shastri, during an appearance on The ICC Review with host Sanjana Ganesan, provided his predictions for the upcoming Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand. He highlighted his selections for the winner and for the prestigious Aramco Player of the Match award, creating significant interest among viewers.
In his analysis, Shastri named Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja from India as potential candidates for Player of the Match. He also mentioned Glenn Phillips from New Zealand, stating, “He might just show flashes of brilliance in the field. He might come and smash a cameo of 40, 50 and probably surprise you by taking a wicket or two.”
Shastri’s prediction is underscored by Phillips’ remarkable semi-final performance against South Africa, in which he scored a quick 49 runs and took two wickets, contributing to New Zealand’s triumph. His strong tournament performances include several impactful catches, enhancing his value as a player.
Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja have been instrumental for India in this tournament, complementing the spin bowling attack alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, while also solidifying the batting lineup with their all-round capabilities.
Shastri further identified key players for both teams, predicting that Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra will be vital in the final’s outcome. He noted that both Kohli and Williamson have shown outstanding form, while Ravindra has also excelled, posting significant scores including a Player of the Match accolade in the semi-final.
Highlighting their forms, Shastri remarked, “When these guys get hot and you let them get their first 10 runs, then they’re trouble.” He expressed that this final could be particularly challenging for any opponent that allows these players to find their rhythm early on.
With the final scheduled to take place in Dubai, a location favorable for spin bowlers, Shastri mentioned potential adjustments each team might consider for their line-ups based on pitch conditions. “I won’t be surprised if there might be a change for either side depending on the pitch,” he indicated, acknowledging the critical nature of the pitch in shaping team strategies.
Reflecting on the prior encounter between the teams in the group stage, Shastri asserted, “If there’s one team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand.” He acknowledged India’s status as slight favorites but emphasized that the competition would remain fierce due to New Zealand’s capabilities and recent performances.
The upcoming Champions Trophy final promises excitement, with Ravi Shastri making intriguing predictions about key players and match dynamics. His insights highlight the significance of individual performances from players like Glenn Phillips, Axar Patel, and Virat Kohli. The game’s outcome may hinge on how these players exhibit their skills, especially given the favorable playing conditions. Overall, both India and New Zealand appear well-prepared for this prestigious encounter, making for a highly competitive final.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
