India has lost the toss once more in the Champions Trophy 2025 final versus New Zealand. Rohit Sharma keeps losing tosses, as New Zealand have chosen to bat first. With this, Rohit has matched the record for the most straight toss defeats in ODIs, standing at 12; that record was previously in 1998 and 1999 by Brian Lara of the West Indies.
The numbers draw attention to India’s long run of bad luck at the toss.
12: Rohit Sharma (november 2023 to march 2025)
12—Brian Lara (October 1998 through May 1999)
11 Peter Borren (Netherlands) (March 2011 – August 2013)
India will be the same as always; New Zealand will be without their seasoned rapid bowler Matt Henry, who is sidelined due an injury. Notwithstanding this blow, they have proceeded with their chosen XI. Conversely, India has stayed with their present mix, which features spinner Varun Chakravarthy in a four-man spin attack. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, in the meantime, again absent from the playing XI.
India can breathe a big sigh of relief as Virat Kohli has battled a knee niggle that worried on the eve of the game to make it up to the final XI. Since they face a formidable New Zealand attack, his presence is absolutely essential for India’s batting order.
IND vs NZ Final: teams on field
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.
New Zealand: Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Nathan Smith.
The scene is prepared for a thrilling last as India seeks to overcome their toss issues and capture the Champions Trophy title with both sides looking strong.
Rohit Sharma loses toss again as New Zealand opts to bat in the Champions Trophy 2025 final. India adheres to their starting XI.