'Done everything well, but ...': Dinesh Karthik identifies key threats for India in Champions Trophy final

NEW DELHI: Dubai is set for a thrilling showdown as India take on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. India enter the contest as firm favourites, having won all four of their matches in the tournament, including a 44-run victory over the Black Caps in the group stage. However, both teams had already secured semi-final spots at that point, making the final an entirely different battle.
India, aiming for a record third Champions Trophy title, have relied on their world-class spin attack throughout the tournament. They fielded four spinners against New Zealand, with Varun Chakravarthy’s stunning 5-42 helping dismiss the Black Caps for 205 in a chase of 250.
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Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik identified the key threats for India in the final, singling out Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner as players who could pose major challenges.
"I feel Kane Williamson again because he's someone who can bat through the middle nicely," Karthik told Cricbuzz. "Santner is a big issue because he doesn't give away anything. A very, very wily customer, knows what to do correctly. He'll bowl one outside, one this way, one that way. Painful. And also a good leader and he's got some good people to rely on, like Kane Williamson and Tom Latham. So they're a good team. They are the team to beat. They are the best team in this tournament. It’s great to see New Zealand there. And if India need to win, they need to beat the best team. And that will be New Zealand."

While India boast a dominant squad, Virat Kohli’s ability to chase down totals remains one of their biggest weapons. Karthik elaborated on why Kohli is the greatest finisher in ODI cricket. "Just the fact that he rotates so well, he is able to chase down totals because the pressure is so much less on him. And in between that, as we all know, he plays and hits brilliant boundaries as well. But for me the best thing about Virat Kohli is the fact that he can rotate strike well."
When asked about India’s prospects in the final, Karthik remained optimistic while avoiding overconfidence. "They have done everything well so far. They just need to keep continuing that. But India's chances? Very high. No doubt about it. Very good chance. I don't want to jinx it enough."
Among non-Indian players, Karthik was particularly impressed by New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner. "I really enjoyed watching Mitchell Santner bowl and the way he captained. I think he's good."
With a chance to lift their first ICC ODI title since the 2013 Champions Trophy, India’s confidence is sky-high. However, New Zealand’s resilience and tactical discipline make them formidable opponents. If India are to reclaim the trophy, they must overcome their biggest threats – a disciplined New Zealand unit led by Williamson and Santner – in what promises to be a high-stakes final in Dubai.