India-New Zealand will be played twice in this Champions Trophy: Aakash Chopra

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes New Zealand can likely defeat India in their final Group A battle of the Champions Trophy 2025 but he remains unsure if they will succeed in doing that. Notably, the highly anticipated clash between the table toppers is set to happen on Sunday, March 2, in Dubai.

For the unversed, both teams already bagging the semi-final spots from the Group. The former opening batter in a video was asked whether the Kiwis could challenge Rohit Sharma and his team. He seemingly felt India are heavyweights despite their home drubbing against the dark horses in recent months. Moreover, he also felt that the Men in Blue would likely clash with New Zealand in the knockout phase once again.

“They can beat us, but I don’t know whether they will be able to. I feel India and New Zealand will face each other twice in this tournament—once in the group stage and again in the final. New Zealand are a balanced side and have three quality spinners," Chopra said while replying to a question on his YouTube channel.

Jamieson always does well against India: Chopra

Furthermore, Aakash Chopra approved that New Zealand’s pace attack is approximately naive but focuses on the threat posed by  William O’Rourke, Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry. Despite the Black Cap's firmness, Chopra dismissed the perception that India struggles against them in ODIs. Besides, the 47-year-old also gave suggestions against making unnecessary last-minute changes to India’s playing XI.

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"Jamieson always does well against India. I don’t know what happens to him, but he becomes a different bowler. Along with Henry and O’Rourke, they have height, which can be an advantage in these conditions. Plus, their spin trio—Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell—adds depth to their attack," he further continued.

“It’s not like we collapse against New Zealand. We beat them in Dharamsala and in the 2023 World Cup semi-final. So, while they can trouble us, it’s not a foregone conclusion that they will beat us. They will challenge and push us, but we also have momentum. I expect a great contest. Players want their form to continue. Nobody needs a rest at this stage," Chopra concluded.