Sun Mar 09 17:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Gavaskar Highlights Areas for Improvement in India’s Champions Trophy Campaign Ahead of Final Clash with New Zealand
**Dubai, UAE:** India will face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on March 9th in Dubai, a rematch of their league stage encounter which India won. Despite their undefeated run to the final, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes the team is yet to reach its full potential.
In an interview with India Today, Gavaskar pointed out inconsistencies in the performances of key batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. He also highlighted the need for improved bowling, particularly in the powerplay and middle overs. He expressed concern over the team’s failure to secure enough wickets in the middle overs, stating that even if runs are restricted, the lack of wickets could prove costly. Gavaskar emphasized the need for at least 2-3 wickets in the first 10 overs with the new ball.
“The opening batsmen haven’t given the team the starts we expected,” Gavaskar said. “And in the middle overs we aren’t getting the wickets, even if the runs aren’t flowing. These are areas where improvement is needed, and improvement will significantly boost our chances in the final.”
Despite these concerns, Gavaskar recommended against any changes to the playing XI, advocating for the retention of four spinners in the final. He praised the effectiveness of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, emphasizing their ability to bowl dot balls, a crucial element in limited-overs cricket. “I think four spinners in the playing eleven is the way to go. Why change now? Varun and Kuldeep have shown how effective they can be,” he stated.
The news comes amidst a separate controversy in Mumbai over a statement by RSS leader Bhaiyaji Joshi regarding the Marathi language, a matter unrelated to the Champions Trophy.
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