Ravichandran Ashwin names strongest Champions Trophy contender after Team India
What's the story
Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin feels New Zealand are the leading contenders to win the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy after Team India.
The tournament is set to begin in Pakistan on February 19. Meanwhile, owing to a hybrid model arrangement, all of India's matches will be held in Dubai.
Despite recent player injuries, Ashwin also cautioned against underestimating Australia in the competition.
Here's more.
Team analysis
Ashwin highlights NZ's strength despite missing experienced pacers
Ashwin emphasized New Zealand's strength in the Champions Trophy, despite missing experienced pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
He raised questions about their bowling attack and potential replacements.
"After India, New Zealand is one of the strongest teams in the Champions Trophy. Since the likes of Southee and Boult are not playing, there is a question mark about their bowling attack," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
He also praised their experienced spin department the Kiwis possess.
Strategy doubts
Ashwin questions India's preparation strategy for Champions Trophy
Ashwin voiced concerns about India's preparation strategy for the Champions Trophy.
He suggested that participating in a tri-series might have been more beneficial than the ongoing bilateral series against England.
"Is this preparation with England enough for the Indian team ahead of CT in Dubai? Should we have played a tri-series too? Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa are playing in Pakistan conditions, which would help them in the CT," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Team prospects
Ashwin analyzes Australia's prospects in Champions Trophy
Ashwin also looked at Australia's chances in the tournament, especially considering their performance in the major ICC events.
He was confident about Steven Smith's captaincy, and stated, "Steven Smith as captain is a marriage made in heaven. Smith is going to captain the team in the Champions Trophy. I always believe that Australia is a champion team," said Ashwin.
However, he admitted Australia has a lot of hurdles to cross with important players ruled out due to injuries.
Tournament revival
Ashwin expresses enthusiasm for tri-series tournaments
Ashwin was excited about the return of tri-series tournaments. He feels the return of these tournaments could revive interest in ODI cricket.
"Another moment of happiness is the return of the tri-series. Yeah, there are bilateral series happening, including the India-England one. But it feels like England isn't playing serious enough cricket," he said.
He also spoke about England's performance and South Africa's team for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Squad
The Black Caps' squad for Champions Trophy
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
Opener
New Zealand down Pakistan in ODI tri-series opener
Pakistan suffered a defeat in the ODI tri-series opener versus New Zealand on Saturday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Batting first, the Kiwis posted a mammoth score of 330/6. Half-centurions Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell and centurion Glenn Phillips dominated the show.
In response, Pakistan saw Fakhar Zaman score a fiery half-century. However, nobody else stood up as New Zealand gained control, winning the contest by a hefty 78-run mark.
NZ in CT
A look at New Zealand in Champions Trophy
New Zealand have been featuring in the Champions Trophy since the inaugural season
They have been in two finals since then, winning one (2000), and losing the 2009 edition to Australia.
They have featured in four semi-finals, with the last one being in 2009. However, they have not made the knockout stages since 2009.
According to ESPNcricinfo, New Zealand have played 24 matches in the Champions Trophy. Their win-loss reads 12-10. Two matches have had no results.