Ravi Shastri predicts key players for the Champions Trophy Final, including Axar Patel and Glenn Phillips for Player of the Match. He highlights the importance of Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson while discussing potential pitch alterations. Shastri notes New Zealand’s competitiveness against India, who are favored but face a formidable challenge.
Ravi Shastri, during his appearance on The ICC Review with host Sanjana Ganesan, made several predictions regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy Final between India and New Zealand. He expressed his thoughts on the potential winner and highlighted names for the Aramco Player of the Match, emphasizing the significance of all-rounders.
Shastri named Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja from India as contenders for the Player of the Match title, also mentioning Glenn Phillips from New Zealand. He noted, “I think that Glenn Phillips has something up. He might just show flashes of brilliance in the field.” Phillips delivered an outstanding semi-final performance, scoring 49 runs off 27 balls and taking two wickets, showcasing his impactful abilities overall.
Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are considered vital for India, contributing significantly alongside spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy. Shastri also forecasted that players like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra would be essential for their teams in the final. He highlighted their current form, stating that allowing these players to score early could prove dangerous for any team.
As the final approaches in Dubai, where spinners have thrived, Shastri discussed the possibility of lineup changes based on pitch conditions. He remarked on the quality of the pitch seen in prior games and suggested that groundskeeping adjustments could influence final decisions but emphasized that teams would not make changes unless necessary.
Reflecting on past encounters, Shastri acknowledged New Zealand as a formidable opponent for India. He stated, “If there’s one team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand.” While India is seen as the favorite, he cautioned that the competition would be tight, underlining New Zealand’s ability to challenge successfully.
In conclusion, Ravi Shastri’s predictions for the Champions Trophy Final underscore his insights into key players and strategies. He identified Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Glenn Phillips as crucial figures, whilst also emphasizing the importance of form of stars like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. With the match set in Dubai, pitch conditions might adjust team selections but both teams remain strong contenders, especially New Zealand’s ability to upset the favorites, India.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
