India are on a triumphant run in the Champions Trophy 2025 after defeating Bangladesh and Pakistan in their group stage matches. The Indian team appeared invincible during the two group stage matches they played at the Dubai International Stadium. However legendary English cricketer Darren Gough has come up with a valuable piece of advice to the Indian team ahead of their last group stage match against New Zealand.
Darren Gough asks India to go for an extra spin option
The former legendary English cricketer has asked the Indian to go for an extra spinner against New Zealand and rest Mohammed Shami, who was visibly struggling during the all-important clash against Pakistan.
“They probably should rest him. They’ve got the confidence against Pakistan. When you’ve got a batting lineup like that, you can afford to bring someone else in; bring another spinner in Dubai,” Gough told Hindustan Times during an interaction on the sidelines of the International Masters League (IML).
Additionally, Gough argued that the pitch in Dubai is not flat as Lahore and India could utilize the help to the spinner Dubai pitch is already providing. Furthermore, the lack of pace attack can be fulfilled by Hardik Pandya who bowled in an emphatic manner during the clash against Pakistan. Shami has already impressed in the tournament as he managed to add another 5-wicket haul to his name against Bangladesh. However, his struggles with fitness was evident during India’s vital faceoff against Pakistan.
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Gough labels India as title favourites
With their splendid form in line, the Indian team according to Gough are the favorites to win the Champions Trophy this time around. India have continued their brilliant winning streak from the splendid performance in the home series against England where they dominated the visitors with a series white-wash.
“India and New Zealand have qualified. South Africa, I think, would definitely go. I tipped Afghanistan, and they’ve got to win now. I think they’ve got an upset in them. If I were to say who is going to win it, I will say India. They look pretty solid. If you look at their batting, you don’t see a weakness,” Gough concluded.
The semi-finalists from Group A are already decided with India and New Zealand set to proceed to the next stage of the tournament. In group B tensions and uncertainty still loom around with Australia and South Africa winning one game each.
