Wasim Jaffer and Michael Vaughan were bitter rivals on the cricket pitch during their playing days, but their social media exchanges have been of a different kind. The ex-India opener and ex-England skipper love to indulge in some light-hearted banter, which keeps cricket enthusiasts amused. In the run-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium, the two were at it again.
Less than two hours prior to the conclusion of the final, Vaughan went on X and announced India as the heavy favourite to win, stating that they were ‘far too strong’. He posted, “India to win today. Far too strong in skill. #Championstrophy.”
Jaffer promptly replied by retweeting Vaughan’s message and sharing an image of ‘Nimbu-Mirchi’, a symbolic Indian object used to repel bad luck and evil energy. It is popularly referred to as a ‘nazar battu’ and is said to guard against the ‘evil eye’. Jaffer’s tongue-in-cheek action was done to prevent Vaughan’s prophecy from jinxing India’s chance of winning the Champions Trophy in 12 years’ time.
#INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophyFinal https://t.co/rxYXfqM4Br pic.twitter.com/IYtNZ87IcR
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 9, 2025
Jaffer and Vaughan have a history dating back a long way as they have played five Test matches against each other. In their 2002 match, Vaughan got Jaffer out, which is something that Vaughan often jokingly refers to when they share opinions online.
When India and New Zealand clashed in the eagerly awaited final, India was more or less universally tipped to win given the Dubai conditions under which they had played all their games. In their final group-stage game at the same ground, India had already beaten New Zealand.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bat. Rachin Ravindra and Will Young laid a good foundation, but the partnership was shattered by Varun Chakarvarthy who sent Young back. Kuldeep Yadav followed with crucial scalps, taking out Ravindra and Kane Williamson, and New Zealand found itself in trouble.
India went into the final with the same lineup, whereas New Zealand replaced one player, with Matt Henry being unavailable due to injury.
