New Zealand Head Coach Gary Stead Leaks Toss Strategy vs India Before Champions Trophy Final

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead might have leaked his team's strategy ahead of the upcoming final against India in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The much-awaited title-decider is set to take place on Sunday (March 9) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The upcoming game will be the second meeting between India and New Zealand in the ongoing tournament. They had played against each other during the group stage as well.

In that game, India had defeated New Zealand by 44 runs. After scoring 249, India had bowled out New Zealand for 205 runs thanks to a brilliant 5-wicket haul from Varun Chakravarthy.

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Gary wary of Varun Chakravarthy

And ahead of the final, Gary Stead has said that New Zealand are likely to bat first if they win the toss in the final because of the threat posed by Chakravarthy.

Speaking to reporters, the New Zealand coach said that it would be easier for the batsmen to face Chakravarthy in the daylight. He also admitted that Chakravarthy is a big threat for New Zealand and the Black Caps will have to find a way to nullify the threat.

New Zealand will be going in confidently, claims Stead

"When we have a wrist spinner like him bowling, you look in for cues as a batter and I think it is a little bit easier when you are batting in the daylight to see those things," said Gary Stead.

"There's no doubt that he is a class bowler, he showed his skills against us last time and is a big threat in the game so, we'll be putting on our thinking caps on around to see how we can nullify that and still score runs against him," he added.

VIDEO: Here's what New Zealand Head Coach Gary Stead said about Varun Chakaravarthy.

"When we have a wrist spinner like him bowling, you look in for cues as a batter and I think it is a little bit easier when you are batting in the daylight to see those things. There's no doubt… pic.twitter.com/piNx886uZA

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 7, 2025

Gary Stead delivers update on Matt Henry:

Gary Stead also delivered an important update on fast-bowler Matt Henry who is doubtful for the final due to a shoulder injury. Henry suffered the injury while taking Heinrich Klaasen's catch during the semifinal against South Africa.

He had to leave the field but returned soon to bowl. Gary Stead said that although New Zealand are hopeful of Henry's participation in the final, his fitness status remains 'unknown'.

"I guess the positive thing from our perspective is he got back out there to bowl. We've had some scans and stuff done on him, and we're going to give him every chance to be playing in this match. [But it's] still a little bit unknown at this stage.

"He's obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder. Hopefully he will be okay," said Gary Stead.

New Zealand will be hoping that Henry recovers fully before the final and leads their pace attack. Henry is the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing tournament. He has taken 10 wickets in 4 games so far including a 5-wicket haul against Team India.