Former India spinner R Ashwin said that the match-up between veteran Indian pace bowler Mohammed Shami and New Zealand opener Rachin Ravindra could dictate the process in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy final as well. Both sides will take on each other for the title at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9 as well. And, Ashwin also revealed how Ravindra, who is an off-side player, has a blind spot when exposed to length deliveries on his body as well.

“The match-up that I am waiting to see is Mohammed Shami against Rachin Ravindra. A classic match-up. Shami has troubled him before at the Wankhede in the 2023 World Cup. Ravindra is brilliant on the off-side, he has a nice bat swing, and if you drop it short, he will pull it,” R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “But, he has a problem getting inside of the line, to tuck the ball. So, he stays leg side of the ball and tries to punch everything. Shami has this around the wicket angle, and if Rachin can get through that, it is huge for New Zealand.”

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R Ashwin also opined on the importance of this match-up as well.

“Another match-up is Kane Williamson against Ravindra Jadeja. If you love cricket, you have to see this—so many small things to note here. Williamson shuffles to the leg side because he knows Jadeja troubles him, and sometimes he steps out and chips it over the bowler’s head, or over cover. Then there is also his late cut. This is an exceptional cat-and-mouse thing, they are like Tom and Jerry. It could well be a contest that could decide the outcome of this game,” Ashwin said.

“There is no chance of India making any changes to the playing XI. Someone asked if there is a chance for Washington Sundar for the left-handed New Zealand batters, but there is no chance. Who will he replace? There is no place. It will create a lot of confusion,” he concluded.