IND vs NZ: Gill Confident as India Eyes Champions Trophy Glory | Champions Trophy 2025

IND vs NZ: Shubman Gill Confident as India Prepares for Champions Trophy Final

As the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 (CT 2025) final approaches, India (IND) is set to take on New Zealand (NZ) at the Dubai International Stadium. With the stakes at an all-time high, Shubman Gill, India’s vice-captain, exudes confidence, stating that the team is prepared to embrace the pressure and rewrite history.

A Second Shot at ICC Glory

Having played in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Gill is no stranger to high-pressure encounters. Reflecting on that experience, he emphasized the importance of handling big-match nerves.

"This is my second ICC final, and I am very excited. Last time, we couldn't get the job done. This time, we will try our best to do it," Gill stated, referring to India’s heartbreak in 2023.

According to him, teams that dominate in knockout matches, like the legendary West Indies (WI) and Australia (AUS) squads of the past, thrive by staying composed. He believes India must adopt the same approach to emerge victorious against NZ.

‘The Best Batting Lineup I’ve Been Part Of’

With stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja, Gill believes this is the strongest batting lineup he has ever played with.

"Rohit is one of the greatest white-ball openers, and Virat is among the best ODI batters ever. The depth in our batting allows us to play freely," he added.

India’s batting depth has given them the flexibility to attack from the start, a luxury they lacked in previous tournaments. With power-hitters in the middle order, the top order can now play with greater confidence.

Leadership and Captaincy Lessons

Since being appointed vice-captain, Gill has embraced his leadership role, ensuring younger players remain calm under pressure.

"As a batsman, my role is clear. But as vice-captain, I must ensure the younger bowlers stay focused. Sometimes, simple things are forgotten in high-pressure games, and that’s where I step in," he explained.

IND’s Strategy Against NZ

India holds a psychological advantage, having defeated NZ in the group stage. According to Gill, the strategy remains the same.

"In our last game, we lost three quick wickets but still won comfortably. The focus is on execution, not drastic changes. If one of the top three batters fires, we can put up or chase a big total," he said.

Toss, Pitch, and Conditions

With Rohit Sharma having lost 11 consecutive tosses since the 2023 ODI World Cup, the toss has become a talking point. However, Gill downplayed its impact.

"As a batter, I am always prepared to bat first or chase. The toss doesn't change our mindset," he remarked.

Regarding the conditions, Gill believes India is well-prepared for Dubai’s slow wickets, having already played four matches there.

"We haven’t seen a 300-run total yet, and I don’t expect the pitch to behave differently. We are ready for any situation," he added.

Winning in 2024 Brings Balance, Not Complacency

India broke an 11-year ICC title drought by winning the T20 World Cup 2024. Gill admitted that lifting that trophy reduced the pressure but did not diminish the team’s hunger.

"Once you get that first title, it removes desperation and adds confidence. We know we’ve done it before, and we will try to do it again," he said.

Chasing a Legacy: Gill’s Personal Ambition

With comparisons to greats like Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, and Sachin Tendulkar, Gill understands the importance of delivering in big matches.

"You can’t score a fifty or a hundred in every game, but on big occasions, I give myself those extra deliveries to settle in and perform when it matters most," he revealed.

Focus on Execution, Not Rohit Sharma’s Future

Speculation about Rohit Sharma’s potential retirement has been a major talking point. However, Gill confirmed that the team has not discussed anything beyond the final.

"Our only focus is winning the Champions Trophy. Rohit hasn’t spoken about anything else," he clarified.

India’s Moment of Reckoning

As IND vs NZ takes center stage, history, redemption, and legacy are all on the line. With past heartbreaks against NZ, India is determined to turn the page and claim the CT 2025 title.

"We know what’s at stake, but if we stick to our game and stay composed, we have the best chance to win," Gill concluded.