Champions Trophy final: India favourites but only just against New Zealand, says Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri picks India as favorites in Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, highlighting key players from both teams.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has picked India as the favourites in Sunday's Champions Trophy summit clash against New Zealand but pointed out that the advantage will be miniscule, given that the Black Caps are a formidable side.

India, who have played all their matches here, stormed into the final with an all-win record, and defeated Australia in the semifinal.

New Zealand, who finished second behind India in Group A after losing their league match, secured their spot in the final with a one-sided win over South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore.

"If there's one team that can beat India, it's New Zealand," Shastri said in The ICC Review. "So India start as favourites but only just," he said referring to the final, which will be a rematch of the 2000 Champions Trophy title clash, where New Zealand triumphed by four wickets in Nairobi.

The 62-year-old, who has seen both teams evolve over the years, picked four players from the New Zealand squad who could make a difference in the high-stakes final.

He singled out Rachin Ravindra, calling him "immensely talented", Kane Williamson for his "stability and calmness like a saint", and captain Mitchell Santner, whom he described as an "intelligent" leader who can influence the game alongside Glenn Phillips, who could be the X-factor for the team.

Shastri also highlighted Virat Kohli's current form as a potential game-changer, while also acknowledging Williamson's ability to seize crucial moments.