ICC Champions Trophy final: Batters would be better prepared for Varun Chakravarthy, says Santner

Mitchell Santner reflects on lessons learned from loss to India ahead of final, optimistic about New Zealand's chances.

Mitchell Santner felt his side could take valuable lessons from last week’s loss to India into the final on Sunday (March 9, 2025).

“It was a challenging game. India played very well. I think we did a lot of good stuff in that game. We came up against a good side and on a spinning wicket, especially in the second innings,” said the New Zealand skipper.

“But I think, having the run against India here a few days ago will help us understand the conditions a little bit better.”

The Black Caps’ two ICC titles—the 2000 ICC Knockouts and 2021 World Test Championship triumph—came against India, and Santner hoped his side could be a third-time lucky against the Men in Blue.

On the plans to tackle Varun Chakaravarthy, who scalped a five-for last week, Santner felt the batters would be better prepared, considering a few of them had faced him for the first time in the league encounter.

“If the pitch plays a similar way, he will be a challenge along with all three of their other spinners. I think boys will be ready for tomorrow and will look at a little bit more footage. We know what his threats are now.”

“That 115 kph arm ball, that got me; that was a bit of a threat,” joked Santner, who was castled by Varun.