India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill expressed confidence and excitement ahead of the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, set to be played Sunday in Dubai. The final showdown marks the culmination of an eight-nation tournament co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Gill reflected on India’s 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat to Australia and said the team is eager to make amends. “The last time which we couldn’t do, we will try to do it this time,” he said. The 2023 loss in Ahmedabad had been a crushing blow after an unbeaten run to the final.
However, India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024 helped ease that pain, ending an ICC title drought since their 2013 Champions Trophy win. Although Gill was not part of that T20 squad, he believes the victory gave the team balance and belief. “It kind of gives us more balance… we will try to do our best to win this one,” he added.
India remains unbeaten in four matches in this tournament, including a semi-final win over Australia. Due to political tensions, India played all their matches in Dubai, opting not to tour Pakistan.
Gill praised the team’s mentality under pressure and highlighted the role of big-match experience. “Good teams play their best cricket under pressure,” he said, referencing historical dominance by teams like the West Indies and Australia.
He also acknowledged the form of Virat Kohli, who has scored a century against Pakistan and 84 in the semi-final, and defended Rohit Sharma, whose quick-fire starts have helped build strong foundations. “Rohit, Virat — I think all-time one-day greats,” he noted.
A win on Sunday would give India their third Champions Trophy title and further reinforce their dominance in white-ball cricket.
