IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Kuldeep Yadav’s unplayable delivery stuns Rachin Ravindra; Anushka Sharma erupts in celebration | Champions Trophy 2025 final

On the grand stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, Kuldeep Yadav produced an absolute peach of a delivery for India to dismiss Rachin Ravindra, breaking a threatening New Zealand partnership. In just his first ball of the match, the left-arm wrist-spinner bowled a vicious googly that landed outside off and spun back sharply, clattering into the top of off-stump. It was a moment of magic that left both the batter and the packed Dubai International Stadium stunned in disbelief.

Kuldeep Yadav’s magical ball removes Rachin Ravindra, Anushka Sharma celebrates in stands

Ravindra, who had been batting confidently on 37 off 29 balls, was completely undone by the deceptive flight and rapid turn. He had initially shaped to play a drive through the off-side but was cramped for space as the ball jagged in at the last moment. His footwork was caught in two minds, his bat angle awkward, and his reaction too late to counter the sharp movement. The ball brushed his pad before sneaking through the narrowest of gaps to rattle the timber, sending the Indian players into wild celebrations.

Kuldeep, realizing the enormity of the moment, leaped in the air, punching his fist with elation, before being engulfed by his teammates. KL Rahul grabbed him in a headlock, while Rohit Sharma sprinted towards the bowler with arms outstretched. The sheer joy and energy radiated from the Indian camp as they knew they had landed a crucial blow.

As the Indian team celebrated on the field, the camera panned to the stands, where Anushka Sharma, wife of Virat Kohli, was seen clapping and cheering ecstatically. Her reaction mirrored the emotions of thousands of Indian fans at the stadium and millions watching back home. The dismissal completely shifted the game’s momentum, leaving New Zealand reeling at 69/2 and giving India a strong upper hand in their quest for the prestigious ICC trophy.

Here’s the video:

Anushka sharma was seen celebrating the wicket of rachin ravindra taken by kuldeep yadav#Anushkasharma #kuldeepyadav #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/F6pYjnMZTA

— Rohit (@sirrohit85) March 9, 2025

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India strike back as Kuldeep dents New Zealand’s strong start in Champions Trophy final

New Zealand started the Champions Trophy 2025 final on a promising note, reaching 57/0 in under eight overs before India’s bowlers turned the tide. Will Young (15 off 23) was the first to fall, trapped lbw by Varun Chakravarthy, breaking a solid opening stand. However, Ravindra looked in sublime touch, smashing 37 off 29 balls, but his promising knock came to an end when Kuldeep deceived him with a perfect googly, cleaning him up.

Skipper Kane Williamson (11 off 14) struggled to get going and fell soon after, caught and bowled by Kuldeep, leaving New Zealand at 75/3. Daryl Mitchell (18) and Tom Latham (14) are now trying to stabilize the innings, but with India’s spinners applying pressure, New Zealand needs a steady partnership to rebuild. With 104/3 in 22 overs, the match is finely poised, and India will look to capitalize on their momentum.

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