<p>Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has picked India as the favourites in Sunday&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/champions-trophy-2025-ind-vs-nz-if-we-play-well-we-will-win-sourav-ganguly-23496253" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>Champions Trophy</strong></a> summit clash against New Zealand but pointed out that the advantage will be miniscule, given that the Black Caps are a formidable side.</p>
<p>&ldquo;If there&rsquo;s one team that can beat India, it&rsquo;s New Zealand,&rdquo; Shastri said in The ICC Review.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;So, India start as favourites, but only just,&rdquo; he said referring to the final, which will be a rematch of the 2000 Champions Trophy title clash, where New Zealand triumphed by four wickets in Nairobi.</p>
<p>The 62-year-old picked four players from the New Zealand squad who could make a difference in the high-stakes final.</p>
<p>He singled out Rachin Ravindra, calling him &ldquo;immensely talented&rdquo;, Kane Williamson for his &ldquo;stability and calmness like a saint,&rdquo; and captain Mitchell Santner, whom he described as an &ldquo;intelligent&rdquo; leader who can influence the game alongside Glenn Phillips, who could be the X-factor for the team.</p>
<p>Shastri also highlighted Virat Kohli&rsquo;s current form as a potential game-changer, while also acknowledging Williamson&rsquo;s ability to seize crucial moments.</p>
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The 62-year-old picked four players from the New Zealand squad who could make a difference in the high-stakes final

'India favourites, but only just': Ravi Shastri

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'India favourites, but only just': Ravi Shastri

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