Shastri selects New Zealand's biggest threats for India in the Champions Trophy Final

Former India all-rounder and coach Ravi Shastri has picked out three New Zealand players who will prove the biggest threat to his former side in the final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

At the top of the list was young opener Rachin Ravindra. The 25-year-old has already made a name for himself with his remarkable consistency at a young age. In the semi-final against South Africa, he scored his fifth ODI hundred, with all of them coming in ICC tournaments.

According to Shastri, Ravindra’s ability to score centuries in big tournaments underlines the rare talent he possesses. Ravindra, 25, has accumulated five centuries in men’s 50-over ICC tournaments – the youngest to hit as many.

“I just like the way he moves in the crease,” Shastri said on the latest episode of The ICC Review.

“There's an element of fluency, which is fabulous to see. He's either forward, he's back, he'll cut, he'll sweep it, play the quicks well and he's got a very good temperament.

“You don't get hundreds in big tournaments like this just like that. You've got to have something up your sleeve and I think he's immensely talented.”

WATCH: Ravindra shines with century in Champions Trophy

Shastri also made it a point to pick the veteran Kane Williamson out for his leadership, the stability he provides and his ability to bring a certain calmness to proceedings, which he believes will be pivotal in the final.

Add to those skills the fact that Williamson’s in impressive nick – he impressed against India (81) and South Africa (102) – and he becomes imperative for New Zealand’s fortunes in the final.

“He's very stable and there's an element of calmness, a no-nonsense element about him the way he goes about his job,” Shastri said.

“He's like a saint, a sage, just sitting, meditating. Lot of people look at the big shots, I look at the way he moves in the crease. There's an element of fluency.

"Joe Root when he's batting at his best. He's forward, back. Kohli (as well). When people move in the crease, the footwork is sound.

“It's a joy to watch. And then with their experience, their talent, the volume of runs they've got, doesn't matter what format they play.”

WATCH: Williamson hits a Champions Trophy century

Shastri also picked out New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner as a key player for the Black Caps.

In his first ICC event as captain, Santner has already led the team to a final. He hasn’t been fazed by captaincy either, making crucial contributions with both ball and bat so far.

“He's an intelligent man. And I think this captaincy suits him,” Shastri said. “It just adds that edge to him as a batter, as a bowler, as a cricketer.

“So I think it's a smart move by New Zealand opting for that and just the way he goes about his job, like I said, he's a good reader of the game, is an intelligent bloke and should be there for some time for New Zealand.”

There was also a special mention for Glenn Phillips, who, with his unpredictable and explosive style of play, was a contender for the Aramco Player of the Match in the final, according to Shastri.

“He might just show flashes of brilliance in the field. He might come and smash a cameo of 40-50 and probably surprise you by taking a wicket or two.”