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New Zealand have reportedly called on two young left-arm wrist-spinners to prepare for the upcoming battle against Kuldeep Yadav in the Champions Trophy 2025.
New Zealand are preparing for Kuldeep Yadav in the training session ahead of their Champions Trophy clash against India. (Image: AP)
Ahead of the final group-stage clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between India and New Zealand in Dubai, the Kiwis have begun their final preparations ahead of the high-profile clash set to be played on Sunday.
During their preparations, middle-order batters Tom Latham and Michael Bracewell had reportedly called up local left-arm wrist-spinners to prepare themselves against India’s wicket-taking spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, as reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI).
The pitches in Dubai have tended to be slow and one for the spinners. With significant turn on offer, the middle-order batters will be expected to adapt to the challenge and take on spin as and when required.
“It’s (the DICS pitch) playing a little bit slow, and there’s obviously a good deal of turn. I think it’s going to be an interesting match-up,” said New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips in the pre-match press conference here.
“They (India) have got three quality spinners, and it’s all about rotating the strike and taking the game deep,” he added.
The two spinners that were called up are 15-year-old Ishan Rajesh and Nilansh Keshwani. Ishan is an under-16 club player, while Nilansh is a probable for the UAE national team.
India usually goes for Kuldeep Yadav as their go-to wicket-taking option, particularly in the middle-overs, and it would come as no surprise if the wrist spinner is asked to deliver key breakthroughs once again.
Additionally, the light practice session held at the ICC Academy did not have the likes of Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke attend the training session.
Both India and New Zealand will be expected to go for the win to ensure that they get the win and also take the top spot in group A. Both teams come in unbeaten in the tournament so far, and the two have also been the best-performing sides in the tournament, having convincingly beaten both Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The winner of tomorrow’s fixture would also be set to face Australia in the semi-final stage of the tournament, while the loser takes on Group B toppers, South Africa.
India also has a history of struggling against New Zealand in ICC events, and Rohit Sharma and Co will be keen on putting that to rest with yet another dominant performance.
- Location :
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
