"Will Be A Great Test": Ex-India Star Warns Rohit Sharma And Co Ahead Of New Zealand Clash

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu feels that Virat Kohli returning to form in the Champions Trophy has given added impetus to their already strong batting line-up. Rohit Sharma-led India have reached the semi-final of the eight-team tournament after securing consecutive wins against Bangladesh and arch-rivals Pakistan in Group A. Kohli struck a match-winning century against Pakistan and contributed 22 against Bangladesh in their opening match. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has been firing in the top order and struck a century against Bangladesh before playing a knock of 46 against Pakistan. He has amassed 147 runs in the tournament so far.

"I think India's key strength has been the overall balance of the side. Our top order batting has been brilliant and also with Virat coming into form gives the added impetus to the already strong batting line-up that we have," Rayudu told IANS on Friday.

The former batter added that it will be interesting to see how India tackle New Zealand spinners in their next match.

"It will be really interesting to see them against New Zealand spinners, it will be a great test for them. Going forward, this New Zealand game will really set things up beautifully for India going into the semis," Rayudu added.

Men in Blue will take on New Zealand in their final group game on March 2 before gearing up for the semi-final.

On England's early exit from the tournament, Rayudu said the English team's middle order failed to live up to the occasion on the sub-continent conditions.

"No, I feel England's batting against spin and also the middle order batting has not been great and we have seen that even in the series against India. So their struggles were evident in the Champions Trophy as well. But the surprising thing was they did not even try and adapt to the conditions or try and stick to the basics," he said.

"They were very, very adamant in terms of their style of play. And in the end, it's proven to be not so great in the sub-continent conditions."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Topics mentioned in this article

India Cricket Team New Zealand Cricket Team Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli Shubman Gill Ambati Rayudu ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Cricket