Mumbai: The stage is set for a blockbuster ICC Champions Trophy final as Rohit Sharma’s Team India face their perennial knockout nemesis, New Zealand, in what promises to be a Super Sunday showdown.

India heads into the clash as firm favourites, eyeing their second ICC title in less than a year after clinching the T20 World Cup in June. However, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar believes New Zealand can upend the script—if they shed their underdog mentality.

“They need to forget they’re up against India. Forget the reputation. Forget that they’re supposed to be second-best. I’ve seen that belief in Santner—he wants to win a title,” Akhtar said.

With Rohit Sharma expected to lead from the front, Akhtar stressed that New Zealand’s ability to contain him could be pivotal. “Rohit will go on the attack, especially against spin. He’ll target Santner, and that’s when the Kiwi skipper has to hold his nerve. If you ask me, the odds are 70- 30 in India’s favour, but if New Zealand bring their ‘A’ game, they can turn it around,” he added.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri echoed the sentiment, admitting that if any team could topple India, it would be New Zealand. “India start as favourites, but only just. If there’s one team that can beat them, it’s New Zealand,” Shastri said.

Former India Head Coach On Virat Kohli's Potential As A Game-Changer In ICC Final

Shastri also pinpointed Virat Kohli as a potential game-changer. “On current form, it’s Kohli. Once he gets past those first 10 runs, he’s trouble. Same with Williamson—if you let them settle, they can take the game away.”

Even Artificial Intelligence seems to agree with the experts. AI models like Google Gemini and ChatGPT tip India to win, citing their superior squad depth, recent dominance, and familiarity with Dubai conditions. As the world braces for an epic finale, one question remains—will India reaffirm their dominance, or can the Kiwis conjure another ICC knockout masterclass?