"Virat Kohli Wicket was special" - Michael Bracewell Interview | IND vs NZ, Champions Trophy2025

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Michael Bracewell’s Post-Final Interview: Reflections on a Hard-Fought Campaign

Following his impactful performance in the ICC Champions Trophy Final, Michael Bracewell shared his thoughts on the match, New Zealand’s campaign, and his personal contributions with both bat and ball.

Looking Back on the Final and the Tournament

Bracewell expressed immense pride in the team’s overall journey, acknowledging the challenges they overcame to reach the final. “It’s been an incredible campaign for us. We faced different situations, adapted well, and showed great resilience throughout. Of course, we’re disappointed not to have won the final, but the effort and character we displayed as a team is something to be proud of.”

Discussing the high-intensity nature of the final, he added, “India is a quality side, and we knew we had to be at our best. We had our moments in the game, but that’s the beauty of cricket—fine margins can make a big difference.”

Belief in Defending the Total

Bracewell, who played a crucial role in pushing New Zealand past 250 with his unbeaten 53 off 40 balls, spoke about the team’s confidence in defending their total. “We felt we had a competitive score on the board. The pitch wasn’t the easiest to score freely on, and we believed if we bowled in the right areas, we could apply pressure. The way our bowlers started was brilliant, and we kept ourselves in the contest for a long time.”

The Key Wicket of Virat Kohli

One of the defining moments of the final was Bracewell dismissing Virat Kohli, a player known for thriving in big chases. Reflecting on that breakthrough, he said, “Virat is one of the best in the world, and getting his wicket at a crucial stage gave us a real boost. He’s the kind of player who can take the game away from you, so it was a special moment for me and the team.”

Pride in the Team’s Determination

Despite falling short, Bracewell emphasized the team’s fighting spirit. “One thing about this team is that we never give up. No matter the situation, we always believe we can turn things around. That’s the kind of mindset we take into every game, and I think that showed in how we pushed India right till the end.”

Contributions with Bat and Ball

Reflecting on his personal performances, Bracewell was pleased with the way he contributed throughout the tournament. “I’m happy with how I performed. Whether it was chipping in with the bat in crucial moments or delivering with the ball when needed, my goal was always to help the team. Cricket is a team game, and every small contribution matters.”

Mitchell Santner’s Leadership

Bracewell had high praise for stand-in captain Mitchell Santner, commending his tactical awareness and calm approach. “Mitch was brilliant as captain. He’s got a great cricketing mind and leads with composure. His field placements, bowling changes, and overall game awareness were spot on. He backed every player, and that gave us confidence.”

Rachin Ravindra’s Standout Performances

Young all-rounder Rachin Ravindra shone throughout the tournament, earning the Player of the Tournament award. Bracewell was full of admiration for his teammate. “Rachin was outstanding. The way he batted in different conditions and his ability to step up in crucial games was incredible. He’s a special talent, and I’m sure this is just the beginning of a great career for him.”


Final Thoughts on the Team’s Journey

Summing up the campaign, Bracewell reflected on the positives the team would take forward. “This has been an amazing experience for us as a group. We’ve learned a lot, faced some great teams, and played some really good cricket. While we would have loved to finish with the trophy, we take away plenty of positives. This team is only going to grow stronger from here.”

With his all-round contributions in the final and throughout the tournament, Bracewell once again proved his importance to the BLACKCAPS. His reflections highlight the team’s never-say-die attitude and the pride they take in representing New Zealand on the global stage.


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