IND vs NZ, Final: Kuldeep Yadav's double blow ！ sends dangerous Rachin Ravindra & Kane Williamson packing after wicketless semis
Kuldeep Yadav turned the tide for India in the final against New Zealand, taking two crucial wickets in quick succession ！ dismissing the dangerous Rachin Ravindra and the ever-reliable Kane Williamson in just 8 balls.
Big players shine in big games! This saying holds especially true for spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, the Indian spinner was viewed by some as a potential weak link ！ one of the reasons India might lose the title.
Why, you ask? It was because he went wicketless in the semi-final. Not only that, but the left-arm wrist spinner had taken just 5 wickets in four matches, with an average of over 40. However, Kuldeep turned the tide for India in the final, taking two crucial wickets in quick succession ！ dismissing the dangerous Rachin Ravindra and the ever-reliable Kane Williamson in just 8 balls.
Kuldeep Yadav's double blow
What a start it was for Kuldeep Yadav, striking with his very first ball! It was a googly on middle stump, and Ravindra failed to pick it. He went on the back foot to punch but missed it completely. Ravindra, who was looking dangerous, walked back after scoring 37 off 29 balls [4s-4, 6s-1].
Oh Yes!! ??
！ BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2025
Kuldeep Yadav comes into the attack and strikes straight up!
Rachin Ravindra is bowled for 37 runs.
Live - https://t.co/OlunXdzr5n #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy #Final pic.twitter.com/OnVggoG8h0
In his next over, Kuldeep struck again ！ this time removing the great Kane Williamson. It was a full delivery on middle stump, and Williamson got forward to push but couldn't keep the ball down, making it a simple catch for the bowler. Williamson exchanged a few words with Mitchell before walking off for 11 off 14 balls [4s-1].
.@imkuldeep18 right on the money.
！ BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2025
Picks up his second wicket as Kane Williamson is caught and bowled for 11 runs ??
Live - https://t.co/OlunXdzr5n #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy #Final pic.twitter.com/cddLceHDWz
Fans react
Fans flocked to X (formerly known as Twitter) to celebrate his brilliance and applaud Kuldeep Yadav, who was making a return from injury in this tournament. He stepped up when it mattered most, delivering a game-changing spell during the crucial middle overs.
One fan wrote, "Kuldeep Yadav took the important wicket in ICC knockout finals."
Kuldeep Yadav took the important wicket in ICC knockout finals? pic.twitter.com/D9cx8th8Hs
！ TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) March 9, 2025
Another added, "India, please apologize to Kuldeep Yadav."
India pls Apologize to Kuldeep Yadav?? pic.twitter.com/et2jBuwZA4
！ Shikha (@Shikha_003) March 9, 2025
The humour continued, with a post reading, "Kuldeep Yadav apology form. Everyone is requested to fill it."
Kuldeep Yadav apology Form.
！ Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) March 9, 2025
Everyone is requested to fill it ? pic.twitter.com/RTHCPYdd2y
Someone else quipped, "Kuldeep Yadav took the criticism for not performing in finals for India too seriously."
Kuldeep Yadav took the criticism for not performing in finals for India too seriously pic.twitter.com/dPRAlJ6sDz
！ RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) March 9, 2025
Reflecting on the shift in public sentiment, one fan summed it up perfectly: "Kuldeep Yadav watching the same people who abused him in the last match now appreciating him today."
Kuldeep Yadav watching the same people who abused him in the last match are now appreciating him today. #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/UA0v8N40J7
！ ??? ? (@refocus21) March 9, 2025
About IND vs NZ
As for the clash, 22 overs are done, and India has made a stunning fightback ！ claiming three quick wickets after New Zealand's solid start. The Kiwis are currently 104 for 3, with Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell at the crease.
While Kuldeep Yadav took two crucial wickets, it was Varun Chakaravarthy who struck first, dismissing Will Young for 15 off 23 balls.
IND vs NZ: Teams
New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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