Champions Trophy Final: Mike Hesson, R Ashwin advise what Rohit, Santner do at the toss

At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS), where India meet New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy, the toss could be an important factor. Even though dew hasn't played a role, despite the chill in the air in the evening, the lights and the impact of fielding in the heat first up may make a difference.

India, the only undefeated team in the tournament, have lost all four tosses in Dubai - their fixed venue in the Champions Trophy. Rather, India have lost all tosses in ODIs going back to the 2023 World Cup final. That accounts for 14 consecutive losses lost.

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"Heading into a Champions Trophy final you're not worried about who wins the toss and certainly if you're an Indian fan and the fact Rohit Sharma's lost 14 in a row, it's not something you're going to lose a whole heap of sleep over," said former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson.



Hesson believes it would be in India's best interests if they field second for one reason - Varun Chakaravarthy. The mystery spinner took a fifer against New Zealand last Sunday and was difficult to read for the Black Caps.

"I think at the toss, from a tactical point of view, New Zealand will want to bat first and they will want to do what they did against South Africa in the semifinal. The reason why I say that is because of this man here, Varun Chakaravarthy," stated Hesson.

Former India spinner R Ashwin said it would be perfectly fine if New Zealand win the toss and India's tally reaches 15.

"In my opinion, India shouldn't aim to win the toss. I'd say let them lose it, allowing New Zealand to choose what they want to do. It could put India in a tricky spot. All in all, India would be comfortable either way since they've successfully defended and chased before," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat'.



Ashwin picked Kane Williamson vs Ravindra Jadeja as the personal battle to watch out for.

"If you are a cricket connoisseur, then Kane Williamson vs. Ravindra Jadeja is the most fascinating battle. While facing Jadeja, Kane Williamson moves towards the leg stump because he knows Jaddu is troubling him. Sometimes, he steps out and plays the chip shot over the bowler or extra cover," he said.

"He even tries to play the cut shot on the back foot. It's a cat-and-mouse situation. Kane Williamson wants to get on top of Jadeja. On the other hand, Jaddu too varies his length and speed. They are like Tom and Jerry in the middle. This contest can decide the outcome of the game. It's a fascinating contest between Kane Williamson and Ravindra Jadeja," he added.



"Jaddu is quicker than an usual left-arm spinner. It is difficult to play the cut shot against Jaddu and literally impossible to sweep him. Yes, you can play the slog sweep, but you can't play the traditional sweep against Jadeja."

"Jaddu's advantage over Kane Williamson is that he never bowls slow against Kane Williamson and he also gets turn. It is because of his lovely release, high release point, and the revolution he puts on the ball," he added.

The Champions Trophy final gets underway at 2:30pm IST.