Cricket fans and experts are eagerly anticipating the thrilling Champions Trophy Final with all eyes set on the grand showdown at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Ahead of this high-stakes encounter, both the Indian and New Zealand teams are intensifying their preparations.
After three days of rest, the Indian team held a rigorous training session on Friday evening at the ICC Academy in Dubai, focusing on refining their batting, bowling, and fielding skills.
Key batsmen Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli engaged in extended net sessions, facing both spinners and pacers under challenging conditions. They particularly worked on their technique against fast deliveries and swing bowling to strengthen their game.
All-rounders Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja prioritized big hitting during the session, practicing powerful shots, especially in death overs. They worked on tackling yorkers and slower balls to maximize their ability to clear the boundary at crucial moments.
Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy dedicated extra time to fielding drills, improving his positioning and reflexes in different areas of the field to capitalize on key catches and run-out opportunities.
Before the practice session, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the media, dismissing claims of a “home venue advantage” for India in Dubai. He emphasized that the outcome of the Champions Trophy Final would solely depend on performance.
“Talks of an advantage in Dubai are baseless. The team that performs well will win. The pitch and conditions are the same for both sides, so our focus should remain on strategy and execution,” Kotak stated.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand team is also in the final stages of their preparation. On Saturday evening, the Kiwi players will train at the ICC Academy in Dubai, working extensively on their ability to counter India’s spin attack.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and Devon Conway focused on tackling spinners in the nets, while Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson sharpened their skills with yorkers and bouncers to challenge Indian batsmen.
On the day of the Champions Trophy Final, Dubai is expected to have warm and dry weather, which may not be particularly favorable for bowlers. The pitch is likely to support batting, though spinners might get some assistance in the middle overs.
India will hold its final training session between 3 PM and 5 PM on Saturday, while New Zealand will practice later in the evening. Both captains will address pre-match press conferences, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash as cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the grand finale.