India and New Zealand will play twice in Champions Trophy: Aakash Chopra

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra thinks New Zealand can probably beat India in their last Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match, but he isn’t sure if they will be able to do it. Significantly, the eagerly awaited matchup between the league toppers is scheduled on Sunday, March 2, in Dubai.

Both teams have already secured their spots in the Group’s semi-finals, for those who are unaware. In a video interview, the former opening batsman was questioned if the Kiwis could compete with Rohit Sharma and his squad. Despite India’s recent home defeat at the hands of the dark horses, he seems to believe that they are heavyweights. The Men in Blue will probably face New Zealand again in the knockout stage, he also said.

“They can defeat us, but I’m not sure if they will be able to do it. In this event, I believe India and New Zealand will play each other twice: once in the group stage and again in the final. Chopra responded to a query on his YouTube channel by saying, “New Zealand is a balanced team with three excellent spinners.”

 Aakash Chopra claims that Jamieson always does well against India.

Additionally, Aakash Chopra said that New Zealand’s pace attack isn’t very sophisticated, but it concentrates on the danger that Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and William O’Rourke pose. Chopra rejected the idea that India had difficulties against the Black Cap in ODIs, notwithstanding their hardness. Aside from that, the 47-year-old advised against making last-minute, needless alterations to India’s starting lineup.

“Jamieson consistently outperforms India. I’m not sure what happens to him, but he changes as a bowler. They are tall, which can help them in certain circumstances, along with Henry and O’Rourke. Additionally, their spin trio—Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips—adds dimension to their approach,” he added.

We don’t exactly crumble in the face of New Zealand. Both in the 2023 World Cup semifinal and in Dharamsala, we defeated them. Therefore, it’s not a given that they will defeat us, even though they may cause us problems. They will test us and push us, but we are ahead. I anticipate an exciting match. Players want to keep playing well. Right now, no one needs to relax,” Chopra said.