New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner acknowledged India's understanding of ‘Dubai’ conditions for the Champions Trophy 2025 final, but expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt.

The Kiwis are eyeing their first ICC ODI title on Sunday (March 9), following their triumph in the 2000 KnockOut Trophy, where they defeated India in the final in Nairobi.

“We know India are going to be a challenge. They’ve been playing some very good cricket. They understand these conditions pretty well," said Santner in the pre-match press meet here on Saturday.

Santner hoped the experience of playing against India in a Group A match last Sunday will help his side in the summit clash.

“I think, obviously, having the run against India a few days ago will definitely help us out, understanding the conditions a little bit better.

“But it is a knockout game. And I guess whoever turns up on the day could take home the trophy," he added.

The final is expected to be played on the same pitch that was used in India’s group match against Pakistan. Santner said the team will have to be ready to adapt, regardless of the nature of the surface.

“We came up against a good side and on a spinning wicket, especially in the second inning (of the last match). We know India are probably going to go in with the same team.

“But we know it might be a different surface. So, I think we have to be ready and be adaptable for what’s coming," he said.

In that context, Santner hoped that the New Zealand batters will combat India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in a batter way this time around. Chakaravarthy returned with a five-wicket haul in the group match against the Black Caps.

“I think guys will be better for the run against Varun. He’s obviously a world-class bowler, we’ve seen it here and obviously in the IPL and that little bit of mystery. But it was the first time some of the guys have been facing him. I think they’ll learn from the other day."

Santner said the team has viewed the videos of Chakaravarthy’s bowling a bit more in the lead up to the title clash.

“If the pitch plays a similar way, it’s going to be a challenge along with all three of their other spinners. We have looked at a little bit more footage.

“I think we obviously know what his threats are now. That 115K arm ball, that got me (in the last match) and that was a bit of a threat, but yeah, we know he’s going to be a challenge," he added.

New Zealand’s premier pacer Matt Henry has been battling a shoulder niggle, and Santner said a final call on his availability for the final will be taken later.

“So we’ll be going across the road and training after this. And Matt’s going to have a bowl just to see how he is. Yeah and then I guess we’ll make a call after that," he stated.

(With PTI Inputs)