As India prepares to take on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final on Sunday, March 9, vice-captain Shubman Gill has urged the team to give it their all for "one final push." In a video shared by the BCCI, Gill reflected on the team's journey and expressed confidence in their preparation ahead of the highly anticipated clash in Dubai.

Gill said, "It feels like yesterday that we landed here in the UAE in our quest to claim the Champions Trophy. Energies were high; vibes were positive; and let us assure you, nothing has changed. Three weeks, four wins, countless hours of training and endless miles later, it's time for one final push, it's time for one final stretch. For one final time, let's go and get this one."

Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Team India look to break New Zealand heart

The India vs New Zealand final is a rematch of the 2000 ICC KnockOut final, where New Zealand emerged victorious. Since then, India has suffered two more heartbreaks at the hands of the Kiwis in ICC knockout matches the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final and the 2021 World Test Championship final.

India has been dominant in this tournament, winning all four of their matches, including a comprehensive group-stage victory over New Zealand. Varun Chakravarthy starred in that game, spinning a web around the Kiwi batters with a 5-wicket haul (5/42).

New Zealand faces a major setback with Matt Henry’s injury. The pacer, who has been their leading wicket-taker, sustained a shoulder injury in the semi-final against South Africa, and his availability for the final will depend on a late fitness test.

Under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, New Zealand has shown resilience throughout the tournament. With a history of troubling India in ICC events, they will be determined to clinch their second Champions Trophy title and spoil India’s bid for consecutive ICC trophies.