India vs New Zealand: How Virat Kohli factor can help India defeat Kiwis in CT 2025 Final

Virat Kohli's form in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 is indeed outstanding, but whether he can be the game-changer against New Zealand depends on various factors. To defeat New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, the Rohit Sharma Army needs to focus on several tactical, technical, and mental aspects to give India the best chance of success.

To secure victory and lift the Champions Trophy, India need to focus on neutralizing New Zealand’s key threats and emphasize on partnerships, tactical decisions and technical adjustments.

New Zealand’s Key Threats: 

Team India must look to neutralize the impact of Trent Boult and Tim Southee, New Zealand's premium swing bowlers. Virat Kohli, Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Rohit Sharma should ensure they don't fall prey to their swing, especially early in the innings.

They should also watch out for Boult's Yorker and Bouncers. Boult can bowl deadly yorkers and well-directed bouncers. If New Zealand brings in their spinners (like Mitchell Santner or Ish Sodhi), the players will need to play with a steady tempo, using their experience to rotate the strike and ensure India doesn't lose wickets in the middle overs.

Virat Kohli’s Track Record Against NZ:

Virat Kohli’s track record against New Zealand, combined with his current form and ability to perform under pressure, makes him a likely game-changer in the Champions Trophy. His consistency across formats and his ability to rise to the occasion in ICC events can help India dominate against New Zealand.

Virat Kohli has a strong record against New Zealand across all formats (ODIs, Tests, and T20s). 

Kohli’s Notable Performances Against New Zealand in ODIs:

-2014: Kohli played a memorable knock of 114 runs in the 2014 New Zealand tour (Hamilton ODI), which helped India chase down a challenging total.

-2019 ICC World Cup: Kohli was instrumental in India's victory over New Zealand in a rain-affected match, scoring 40 runs off 51 balls. This was important for India to set a competitive total during the group stages.

Kohli has often been the anchor in T20 matches against New Zealand, playing crucial knocks to help India chase or post big totals. His consistency in the shortest format makes him a dangerous player for New Zealand.