There's plenty we've taken from the defeat to India in group stage, Says Will Young

New Zealand cricketer Will Young vividly recalls the inspiration drawn from the Blackcaps' triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 25 years ago. At just eight years old, witnessing New Zealand's victories over Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and India to secure their first major ICC title ignited his passion for the sport.

And now, a quarter of a century on, Young is poised to follow in the footsteps of his boyhood idols as New Zealand gets ready to take on India in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai. Looking back at the 2000 team, Young credits the impact of legendary players who inspired his cricketing dreams. He highlights the need to carve their own way to success, saying, "It is cool to be trying to do the same thing 25 years later. I was eight years old at the time and just beginning to fall in love with the game."

Young started New Zealand's present campaign on a high note with a century in their first match against Pakistan. This feat made him the fourth New Zealand cricketer to score a century in the ICC Champions Trophy, joining the list of Chris Cairns (2000), Nathan Astle (2004), and Kane Williamson (2017).

His other opening partner, Rachin Ravindra, has also contributed, scoring two centuries in the group-stage match against Bangladesh and the semi-final win over South Africa. Young does not even consider the group-stage defeat against India a disappointment, saying, "It was a good chance to have a look at the style of cricket they will be bringing, particularly at that ground and in those conditions."

In recognition of the rich history between the two sides, including their World Test Championship and 2023 World Cup semi-final encounter, Young keeps his eyes on the current task. He is all about flexibility and grit, asserting, "We'll look to be able to adjust and adapt to whatever challenges are in front of us on Sunday and hope the game we've got and the nerve that we hold will be enough."

As New Zealand strives to follow in the footsteps of their forebears, Young's path from a child who was inspired by the Champions Trophy to a crucial contributor highlights the lasting impact of the Champions Trophy in inspiring future generations.