Ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 final against India, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said India are comfortable with the Dubai conditions as they have played all their matches in the tournament there. However, he stated his team is also ready for the final on Sunday.

Williamson, who scored a century in the semifinal win over South Africa, said India have “very clear thoughts” on the game in Dubai. He didn’t say India have a big advantage because of their experience in the venue but said having played multiple matches there which has given them an idea how to get the best out of the conditions.

Different Journeys to the Final

India has been staying in Dubai throughout the tournament while New Zealand has had a different journey. Apart from the game against India, the Kiwis have played most of their matches in Pakistan, including two in Lahore during a tri-series involving Pakistan and South Africa. Williamson said that just as India has adjusted to Dubai, New Zealand has got a feel of the conditions in Lahore where they beat South Africa recently.

“It is what it is,” Williamson said about India’s consistency in Dubai. He said the focus for New Zealand is on the next game, taking into account various factors – the venue, the opposition and the conditions they will face. He admitted that New Zealand had played India in Dubai before and the conditions can be very different, so it’s important for his team to be adaptable and clear in their plans.

Key Players Reflect on Conditions

Rachin Ravindra, one of New Zealand’s key players, agreed with Williamson about the Dubai pitch. He was talking about their earlier game against India where the pitch turned and this one where the ball didn’t turn as much. “We had to adapt and play according to situations, which we will have to do again on Sunday” he said. He hopes for a good pitch for a competitive game.

After struggling in the group game against India where he scored only 6, Ravindra is looking forward to a better performance in the final. He acknowledged the challenges of batting, saying, “You get out every time you bat. Hopefully I can bat for a longer period of time and play well for my team.”

Daryl Mitchell's Optimism

Daryl Mitchell the New Zealand middle-order batsman opted out of commenting on the venue advantage for India. After scoring 49 in the semi-final, he was thrilled to be in the final and mentioned how international cricket is all about travelling and adapting to different conditions. “I’m just excited to be in an ICC final and looking forward to playing in a few days time,” he said.

India's Coach Responds to Advantage Claims

On the Indian side, coach Gautam Gambhir denied any advantage to India because of their consistent play in Dubai. He pointed out that the Indian team has not practiced in Dubai itself, they have been training at the ICC Academy which is a totally different scenario. Gambhir rubbished the idea of an undue advantage, “Some people are just perpetual cribbers. They have got to grow up. I feel that there was nothing like we had any undue advantage”.

Anticipation Builds for the Final Showdown

As the final approaches both teams are preparing to face the unique challenges of the Dubai pitch, players and coaches are emphasizing the need to be adaptable and clear with their plans. The excitement builds as the cricket fans wait for the final showdown between India and New Zealand.