Lagatar24 Desk
Dubai: The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, has been on a dominant run in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, overcoming all obstacles despite losing four consecutive tosses. Having turned the Dubai International Stadium into a fortress, India has displayed impressive performances both while defending and chasing. With the final set against New Zealand on Sunday, here’s a detailed SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of Team India ahead of the crucial title clash.
Strengths:
• Dominant Batting Line-up:
• Rohit Sharma has shown glimpses of his attacking best despite missing out on a big score.
• Shubman Gill has been in sublime form, anchoring India’s top order.
• Virat Kohli has been sensational, with a match-winning unbeaten century against Pakistan and a solid 84 in the semi-final against Australia.
• Shreyas Iyer has adjusted well to Dubai’s slow pitches, proving to be a key middle-order batter.
• Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya have provided crucial finishes in pressure situations.
• Bowling Attack in Top Gear:
• Mohammed Shami has led the pace attack brilliantly, striking at key moments.
• Varun Chakravarthy’s spin magic has added depth, proving effective on the UAE’s slow wickets.
Weaknesses:
• New Zealand’s Knockout Dominance Over India:
• India’s struggles against New Zealand in ICC knockout matches remain a concern.
• The Blackcaps defeated India in the 2021 World Test Championship final, 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final, and 2000 Champions Trophy final.
• New Zealand’s Familiarity with Conditions:
• Having already played India in Dubai during the group stage, the Kiwis will be well-prepared to counter India’s strengths.
• Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra are in top form and could be a major threat if they get going.
Opportunities:
• Breaking the ICC Title Drought in ODIs:
• India last won the Champions Trophy in 2013 and has struggled to win a 50-over ICC tournament since.
• Winning this final would be Rohit Sharma’s second ICC trophy as captain, following the T20 World Cup 2024.
• A Boost for Gambhir’s Coaching Career:
• A victory would mark a major achievement for head coach Gautam Gambhir, setting the right momentum ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Threats:
• Spin-Friendly Conditions in Dubai:
• If the pitch from previous matches is used, New Zealand’s spin quartet of Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra could make run-scoring difficult.
• Matt Henry’s Bowling Prowess:
• If Matt Henry plays, he could pose a major challenge.
• He played a key role in India’s 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat and took 5-42 in their group-stage match this tournament.
As India prepares for the Champions Trophy final, history and form both play a role in shaping expectations. While New Zealand has been a roadblock in previous ICC knockout games, India’s red-hot form and balanced squad give them a strong chance to clinch the title and break a 25-year-old ICC final curse against the Kiwis.
