Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri believes New Zealand is the only team capable of defeating India in the upcoming Champions Trophy final. Speaking on the ICC podcast with host Sanjana Ganesan, Shastri backed India as the favourites but stressed the threat posed by the Kiwis. “If there's one team that can beat India, it's New Zealand. So India start as favourites but only just," he said. India and New Zealand men's team have met earlier in the tournament during the final league game. While India defeated New Zealand, their batting was deeply tested. Ravi Shastri believes that New Zealand could be a threat to India and backs Glenn Phillips to come good in the final. “I think that Glenn Phillips has something up. He might just show flashes of brilliance in the field. He might come and smash a cameo of 40, 50 and probably surprise you by taking a wicket or two," he said. 'I would go for an all-rounder for Player of the match': Ravi Shastri Ravi Shastri predicted that an all-rounder would likely be named the Player of the Match. For India, he placed his bets on either Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja, who have both been in fine form. “Player of the Match, I would go for an all-rounder. I'll say Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja from India," he said. Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah to Miss First Two Weeks of IPL 2025: Reports Beyond the all-rounders, Shastri also expects big performances from seasoned campaigners Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. “Now (on) current form, Kohli. When these guys get hot and you let them get their first 10 runs, then they're trouble. Whether it's Williamson, whether it's Kohli,” Shastri said. Adding more on current form, Ravi Shastri praised Rachin Ravindra, calling him a 'fabulous young player' “So from New Zealand, I would say Williamson. To an extent, Rachin Ravindra. He is a fabulous young player. But these guys when they smell the coffee and you let them, in a final, get to that 10-15, then they're doubly dangerous,” he added. India face New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy on 9th March. Both teams have several in-form players. New Zealand's Matt Henry is the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 10 scalps, closely followed by Mohammad Shami with eight wickets. In the batting department, Rachin Ravindra is the 2nd highest scorer of the tournament with 226 runs, while Virat Kohli is in the 4th spot with 217 runs.