After India, New Zealand one of strongest teams in Champions Trophy: Ravichandran Ashwin | Cricket News
Ravichandran Ashwin has picked India and New Zealand as the two strongest teams in the upcoming Champions Trophy, adding that even though Australia may be missing some of their key personnel, the 2023 ODI World Cup winners are a team which shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“After India, New Zealand is one of the strongest teams in the Champions Trophy. Since the likes of Southee and Boult are not playing, there is a question mark about their bowling attack. Who will accompany Matt Henry? Will it be Will O-Rourke, who has the potential to be a runaway champion of next generation. Will it be Ben Sears? “They have an experienced spin attack with Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips. Mitchell Santner is the captain, how is he planning to marshall his resources. New Zealand is definitely a strong team. They are one of the challengers to India,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Talking about Australia, the spinner said, “Steven Smith as captain is a marriage made in heaven. Smith is going to captain the team in the Champions Trophy. Will Smith, Head, Maxwell and Labuschagne pull through the team to the semis. I always believe that Australia is a champion team that always brings its A-game in marquee tournaments. Considering Australia have a few issues in their bowling department, a lot will depend on Smith’s form and captaincy.”
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He also said that India’s matches in Dubai will feel like home games for the Men in Blue due to their familiarity with the conditions and support.
“India has the home advantage in Dubai, and it almost like every other team is playing an away match against India. This is a problem for the other teams, for sure. Is this preparation with England enough for the Indian team ahead of CT in Dubai? Should we have played a tri-series too? Pakan, New Zealand and South Africa are playing in Pakan conditions, which would help them in the CT,” Ashwin said.
“India only played against England in India, and moreover, we don’t have a lot of pleasant memories of playing T20s in Dubai. The toss becomes really crucial in Dubai. I think winning the toss becomes crucial,” he added.
