Spin Showdown: India vs New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final

IND spin attack has been nothing less than a force to be reckoned with, and it was a historic moment when the spinners took 9 wickets in an ODI for the first time since 2011 in their Group game vs NZ

The Indian cricket team has been nothing short of sensational with their bowling displays throughout the Champions Trophy 2025, securing a coveted place in the final of this prestigious tournament. Their spin attack has been nothing less than a force to be reckoned with, and it was a historic moment when the spinners took 9 wickets in an ODI for the first time since 2011, during their final Group A game against New Zealand.  ALSO READ: IND vs NZ FINAL PLAYING 11 | IND vs NZ FINAL LIVE SCORE | IND vs NZ FINAL DUBAI PITCH REPORT   Same was the case in the final as well with Indian spinners taking 5 of the 6 wickets against New Zealand in the 1st innings.  While Varun and Kuldeep fetched 2 scalps each, jadeja also contributed with on ewicket on the day. Rohit trusted his spinners to do the job on the day as India bowled 38 overs of spin in the final match. 

Most overs of spin bowled in a Champions Trophy innings
Overs Bowled	Match	Venue	Year	Stage
39.4	Sri Lanka vs Australia	Colombo RPS	2002	Semi-final
38	India vs New Zealand	Dubai	2025	Final
37.3	India vs New Zealand	Dubai	2025	-
36.5	Sri Lanka vs New Zealand	Dhaka	1998	Quarter-final

 

 

Varun played a big role again for India and expressed his views after the spell as well. "It was a good wicket compared to the last wicket. It was not turning much. All I could do was stick it into the stump line and wait for the batter to make some mistake. I like bowling in the death and the powerplay, it is more challenging and gives me more opportunity to pick wickets. I like talking to Kuldeep, even Jaddu bhai and Axar, I am pretty new to this setup and am looking to build some nice bonds. It (the right foot) is a little sore. It is a gettable score if we bat well initially." Varun said.  However, the Black Caps should not be underestimated. They bring their own formidable spin attack to the table, led by none other than their captain, Mitchell Santner. Santner, with a series of stellar performances in the tournament, has been a constant threat, and he will be the key figure as they enter the final.

 

India’s Spin Attack Poised for a Dazzling Display

 

The Indian spin department has been the backbone of their success in the Champions Trophy 2025. From Ravindra Jadeja’s precision to Varun Chakaravarthy’s deceptive variety, the bowlers have consistently pulled India out of tight spots. This was most evident during their semi-final clash against Australia. Despite the pitch offering more for the batsmen, the spinners proved to be invaluable, picking up key wickets and ensuring India crossed the line in style. 

India spinners in ODIs
Player	Innings	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Avg	SR	4W	5W	BBI	4s	6s	Dots
Kuldeep Yadav	109	949.1	4745	179	5	26.51	31.82	7	2	6/25	297	134	2907
Ravindra Jadeja	89	773.1	3822	96	4.94	39.81	48.32	2	1	5/33	258	79	2296
Axar Patel	55	456.4	2059	58	4.51	35.5	47.24	0	0	3/24	160	40	1514
Varun Chakaravarthy	3	30	145	8	4.83	18.12	22.5	0	1	5/42	7	4	88

 

New Zealand Bringing a Spin Attack of Their Own

 

But New Zealand is far from a push-over. The Kiwis have shown in the past how their spin attack can outwit the Indians, especially during the Test series on Indian soil last year. With Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Michael Bracewell, the Black Caps possess a versatile spin unit that could be pivotal if the pitch on the final day offers any assistance to the bowlers. They will certainly be looking to exploit any potential turn to break India’s momentum. 

New Zealand spinners in ODIs
Player	Innings	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Avg	SR	4W	5W	BBI	4s	6s	Dots
Mitchell Santner	111	924.3	4460	124	4.82	35.97	44.73	0	2	5/50	260	119	2828
Michael Bracewell	29	220	1083	32	4.92	33.84	41.25	2	0	4/26	79	28	690
Rachin Ravindra	23	153.1	904	20	5.9	45.2	45.95	1	0	4/60	61	30	394
Glenn Phillips	28	116	706	16	6.09	44.12	43.5	0	0	3/37	43	24	283

 

As the stage is set for a thrilling final, both teams will rely on their spinners to take center stage and make the crucial breakthroughs. It’s a showdown that promises to be a battle of the spin maestros