Can New Zealand Dent India’s Champions Trophy Hopes? R Ashwin Weighs in on Title Contenders
India’s ‘Home-Like Advantage’ in Dubai – A Shield or a False Sense of Security?
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 inches closer, Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown light on a potential threat to India’s campaign—the New Zealand cricket team. While India enters the tournament as one of the strongest contenders, Ashwin warns that New Zealand could pose a serious challenge, given their balanced squad and recent history of punching above their weight in ICC events.
With the hybrid model in place, India will play all their matches in Dubai, a venue where they have had mixed results in the past. While the familiarity of conditions could work in their favor, Ashwin suggests that New Zealand’s tactical adaptability and fearless brand of cricket could pose a real threat to Rohit Sharma’s men.
“India has the home advantage in Dubai, and it’s almost like every other team is playing an away match against them. This will be a big challenge for other teams. But New Zealand always finds a way to trouble India in ICC tournaments.”
India’s failure to win an ICC trophy since 2013 has often been attributed to unexpected upsets in knockout matches, with New Zealand emerging as their nemesis multiple times—from the 2019 World Cup semi-final heartbreak to the 2021 World Test Championship final defeat. Can history repeat itself in 2025?
Ashwin Questions India’s Preparation – Was a Bilateral Series Enough?
Unlike New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa, who are currently battling it out in a tri-series in Pakistan as part of their Champions Trophy preparation, India opted to play a bilateral series against England at home.
🔹 India’s Champions Trophy Warm-up: Bilateral ODI series vs England (Home conditions).
🔹 New Zealand, Pakistan & South Africa’s Preparation: Tri-series in Pakistan, gaining crucial experience in subcontinent conditions.
“Is playing against England in India enough preparation for the Indian team ahead of the Champions Trophy in Dubai? Should we have played a tri-series too? The conditions in Dubai will be different from home, and Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa are already playing in similar conditions.”
Another key concern for India is the impact of toss decisions in Dubai, where dew and pitch behavior can play a crucial role in determining the outcome of matches.
“We don’t have a lot of pleasant memories of playing T20s in Dubai. The toss becomes really crucial here. Winning the toss could decide matches.”
New Zealand – India’s Biggest Hurdle?
Despite missing legendary pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee, Ashwin believes that New Zealand remains a dangerous opponent with a squad that possesses a blend of experience and emerging talent.
New Zealand’s Key Strengths:
✅ Balanced Spin Attack: Mitchell Santner (Captain), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell
✅ Resilient Middle Order: Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham
✅ X-Factor Quick Bowlers: Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears
“After India, New Zealand is one of the strongest teams in the Champions Trophy. They have a strong squad, but without Boult and Southee, there’s a question mark over their pace attack. However, knowing New Zealand, they always find someone to step up when it matters most.”
India has struggled against New Zealand’s tactical approach in ICC tournaments, with Kiwi bowlers often exploiting India’s weakness against movement in high-pressure encounters. With a strong spin trio and aggressive middle order, the Kiwis could once again prove to be a roadblock for India’s title hopes.
Australia – An ICC Giant Despite Injury Setbacks?
Another team that could disrupt India’s Champions Trophy dreams is Australia, a team known for peaking in ICC tournaments. However, their squad has been dealt a major blow with key bowlers ruled out due to injuries.
🚑 Key Australian Players Unavailable:
- Pat Cummins (Injury)
- Josh Hazlewood (Injury)
- Marcus Stoinis (ODI Retirement)
- Mitchell Marsh (Fitness Concerns)
Despite these setbacks, Ashwin believes Australia should never be counted out in ICC events.
“Steve Smith as captain is a marriage made in heaven. The big question is—will Smith, Head, Maxwell, and Labuschagne pull them through to the semis? Australia always brings their A-game in marquee events.”
The loss of their frontline pacers means that Australia will have to rely heavily on their batting unit. Whether they can fill the gaps in their bowling remains a key question heading into the tournament.
South Africa – Dark Horses or Inconsistent Performers?
South Africa finds itself in the toughest group of the Champions Trophy, featuring Australia, England, and Afghanistan—a true ‘Group of Death’.
Key Challenges for South Africa:
🔹 Who will lead their all-round attack? Will Wiaan Mulder get the nod alongside Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen?
🔹 Can Temba Bavuma deliver under pressure?
🔹 England’s unpredictable form – Will they be world-beaters or struggle under UAE conditions?
“South Africa has always had talent, but they also have a history of crumbling in ICC tournaments. Will they finally shake off their ‘chokers’ tag in 2025?”
Ashwin also pointed out that Bavuma has been fortunate with South Africa’s recent performances, jokingly calling him “one of the luckiest cricketers.”
The Revival of Tri-Series – A Game-Changer for ODI Cricket?
While discussing Champions Trophy contenders, Ashwin also expressed excitement over the return of tri-series tournaments, which were once a fan-favorite format in the 90s and early 2000s.
“90s kids would definitely understand this fascination for tri-series. It’s great to see South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan reignite interest in this format. It could breathe new life into ODI cricket, which is gradually being overlooked.”
The ongoing tri-series in Pakistan is not only helping teams prepare for the Champions Trophy, but also highlighting the potential return of a format that kept ODI cricket exciting for decades.
Champions Trophy 2025 – Can India Avenge Past ICC Defeats?
📅 Tournament Start Date: February 19, 2025
📍 Host Nation: Pakistan (Hybrid Model; India to play in Dubai)
🏏 India’s Group Stage Matches:
- vs Bangladesh – February 20 (Dubai)
- vs Pakistan – February 23 (Dubai)
- vs New Zealand – March 2 (Karachi)
🏏 Group B (The ‘Group of Death’):
- South Africa, Australia, England, Afghanistan
Will India Finally Overcome Their New Zealand Curse?
While India enters the tournament as favorites, history suggests that New Zealand could once again be their biggest roadblock. With an underrated squad, a captain who thrives under pressure, and a history of delivering in ICC events, the Kiwis could deal a heavy blow to India’s title hopes.
🚀 Can Rohit Sharma’s men finally conquer New Zealand in a high-stakes ICC tournament? Or will the Black Caps haunt India again? Let us know your thoughts! 🏏🔥
