Shubman Gill Aims for Redemption in Champions Trophy Final Against New Zealand

Shubman Gill Aims for Redemption in Champions Trophy Final Against New Zealand

India's Redemption Quest Led by Gill’s Maturity and Experience

As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill, who has emerged as one of the most consistent and technically sound batters in modern-day cricket. Gill, now the No.1-ranked ODI batsman, is determined to channel his learnings from India’s heartbreaking 2023 World Cup Final defeat to Australia and lead his side to victory against New Zealand in Sunday’s decider.

India had a near-perfect World Cup campaign in 2023, winning all nine group-stage matches before dismantling New Zealand in the semi-final. However, the dream of lifting the trophy at home was shattered as Australia outplayed the hosts in the final. That experience, though painful, has helped shape Gill’s approach to high-pressure encounters, and he is determined to use those lessons to ensure India crosses the finish line this time.

Gill’s Reflection on the 2023 World Cup Final

Speaking ahead of the high-stakes clash, Gill admitted that nerves played a role in the 2023 final, affecting the team’s approach. “Obviously, there were some nerves in that match,” he revealed. “It was my first ICC final, and I was very excited.”

The young opener acknowledged that he felt rushed during that game, an aspect he intends to improve upon in the Champions Trophy final. “I think in big ICC knockout matches, you can give yourself a little bit more time than you think,” he said, emphasizing the importance of pacing an innings in crucial matches.

A Key Role for Gill in the Final

As India’s top-order anchor, Gill's role in ensuring a steady start will be vital in setting the platform for a formidable total. He understands that an early collapse could place undue pressure on the middle order, an issue India faced in the 2023 final.

“The world’s top-ranked batter has a crucial job for his side in the Champions Trophy final, making sure India’s batting innings can remain on schedule in the early stages,” he said. “If we are able to do that, it will help release some of the pressure on our middle order.”

Having tasted victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Gill believes that India has the momentum to complete a rare double by winning back-to-back ICC trophies. “We lost the World Cup Final in 2023, but then we won the T20 World Cup in 2024. So, I think we have got good momentum going into this tournament.”

India's Pursuit of a Rare Double

If India secures the Champions Trophy, they will cement their position as the dominant force in international cricket, holding both the ODI and T20I world titles simultaneously. The team’s current form and experience in big finals position them well to achieve this remarkable feat.

“It’s a very big opportunity for us,” Gill acknowledged. “In any ICC event, we have a lot of responsibility and a lot of pressure from our fans. The last two ICC tournaments we played, we reached the final. Now, we have another chance to claim a trophy.”

India’s Road to the Final and New Zealand’s Challenge

India has showcased impressive all-round performances throughout the Champions Trophy, with both their batting and bowling units delivering when it mattered the most. Their pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, has been lethal, while spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav have played crucial roles in the middle overs.

New Zealand, however, will be no pushovers. The Black Caps have a reputation for punching above their weight in ICC tournaments and have consistently troubled India in past knockout matches. With experienced players like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, and Devon Conway in their ranks, New Zealand will pose a stiff challenge.

The Pressure and Expectation of an ICC Final

The weight of expectation will be immense, but Gill remains confident that India can rise to the occasion. The lessons from past heartbreaks, combined with recent success, have strengthened the team’s resolve. “It’s going to be a really exciting game for us,” he said. “If we are able to win this one, it would be a great way to end this format this year.”

For India, this match is more than just a final it is a chance for redemption, a shot at reclaiming dominance in the 50-over format, and an opportunity to give their passionate fans the joy they narrowly missed in 2023.

With cricket fans around the world eagerly awaiting the final showdown, India vs. New Zealand promises to be a clash of skill, strategy, and mental strength. Will Shubman Gill’s newfound maturity and experience guide India to Champions Trophy glory? The answer will unfold on Sunday.