IND vs NZ: Rohit Sharma to Drop Kuldeep Yadav for Harshit Rana? India’s Probable XI vs New Zealand
- Views: 13
Prepend to the Content
India NationalCricket Team is all set to face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India has been dominant in the tournament, winning all their matches, including a victory over New Zealand in the group stage. However, New Zealand is a strong team and will look to bounce back in this high-pressure match.
Ahead of the final, let’s take a look at India’s probable playing XI and whether a change is needed in the squad.
Will Rohit Drop Kuldeep Yadav?
Kuldeep Yadav’s Performance in Champions Trophy 2025:
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 36.60 | 43.80 |
Kuldeep Yadav has struggled in the Champions Trophy 2025, picking up just five wickets in four matches. Out of these, two were tail-enders. Other Indian spinners like Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, and Ravindra Jadeja have performed much better.
Another worrying factor is Kuldeep’s record in ICC knockout matches. He has played three ICC knockout games and has gone wicketless in all three:
- 2023 ODI World Cup Final vs Australia – No wickets
- 2024 T20 World Cup Final vs South Africa – No wickets
- 2025 Champions Trophy Semi-final vs Australia – No wickets
With three quality spinners already in the squad, Kuldeep seems to be the weak link in India’s bowling attack.
Why Should Harshit Rana Be in the XI?
Harshit Rana’s Performance in Champions Trophy 2025:
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 15.25 | 3.98 |
Harshit Rana played in two group-stage matches and bowled exceptionally well. However, he was replaced by Varun Chakravarthy for the match against New Zealand.
Since New Zealand is strong against spin, it might be a smart move to bring back Harshit Rana. He is a fast bowler who can generate extra pace and bounce, making it difficult for the Kiwi batters. His economy rate of 3.98 in the tournament also shows that he has good control over his line and length.
For the final match, India should replace Kuldeep Yadav with Harshit Rana to strengthen their pace attack.
India is expected to stick with the same playing XI unless there is an injury. Rohit Sharma would want to continue with the winning combination and lift the Champions Trophy 2025 title.
India’s Probable XI vs New Zealand:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
Let’s see if Rohit Sharma makes this crucial change for the big final!
Story First Published at www.probatsman.com on 08 March 2025
More Stories
- Pakistan Pacer Mohammad Amir to Play for RCB in IPL 2026? Here’s How!
- WPL 2025 Match 17: Gujarat Giants Women vs Delhi Capitals Women – Match Highlights and Scorecard
- Pakistan Spinner Abrar Ahmed Says Sorry to Shubman Gill for His Celebration
- “I Provoked Him to Hit a Six” – Abrar Ahmed on Interaction With Virat Kohli
- IPL 2025: Ruturaj Gaikwad Warns Virat Kohli and Others Against Sledging CSK Players
Read Original Content: IND vs NZ: Rohit Sharma to Drop Kuldeep Yadav for Harshit Rana? India’s Probable XI vs New Zealand
You Might Like
