As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final approaches, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has acknowledged India’s advantage of playing all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium. Having remained in one venue throughout the tournament, the Men in Blue have developed a deep understanding of the conditions, a factor that could play a crucial role in the title clash on March 9. However, Santner remains unfazed, backing his side to rise to the challenge against Rohit Sharma’s formidable unit.
Unlike New Zealand, who had to travel between Pakistan and the UAE during the competition, India’s static schedule has allowed them to thoroughly assess the Dubai pitch. Santner noted that the surface might behave differently from the one in Lahore, where New Zealand played earlier, but he is prepared for a tough battle.
“They’ve played all their games here in Dubai, so they understand the conditions well. Obviously, the surface will dictate a bit of how we approach the match. It might be a little slower than what we got in Lahore, and it could turn into a scrap, but we’re ready to scrap,” Mitchell Santner said upon arriving in Dubai.
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New Zealand have already faced India in the tournament, suffering a 44-run defeat in the group stage. While the loss had no impact on their qualification for the knockouts, Santner believes it gave his side valuable insight into the conditions and India’s approach.
“We faced a strong side, and I think we’ll be better for that experience. We’ve had good momentum in the tournament, and hopefully, that continues into the final,” he added.
The Kiwis’ campaign has been physically demanding, with frequent travel between venues. However, Santner played down any concerns over fatigue, emphasizing that his team has adapted well to the schedule.
“It’s part of the challenge of this tournament—moving around a lot. We’ve been to multiple venues across Pakistan and Dubai, but the guys understand it’s just how it is these days. As long as we’re ready for the game, that’s what matters,” he said.
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For the final, New Zealand will need to counter India’s spin-heavy attack while capitalizing on its own strengths. Santner himself will be a key figure, having played a pivotal role in dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup in the semi-final with a crucial spell of 3 for 43.
