Why is Kane Williamson not fielding in the Champions Trophy finals vs India?

Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson endured a horror time with the bat in the Champions Trophy 2025 finals. The 34-year-old was out for just 11 runs, offering a simple return catch to Kuldeep Yadav. Williamson didn’t come out to field as Mark Chapman replaced him as the substitute fielder. 

Williamson, as per CRICBUZZ, picked up a strain on his quadriceps muscle. It is a huge blow for the Kiwis, as Williamson is not only the most experienced player but also a great fielder. Indian fans will remember the great catch taken by Williamson to get rid of Ravindra Jadeja in the last game between the two sides at the same venue. 

In the second semi-finals, Williamson and Rachin Ravindra scored centuries to help New Zealand score 362. Both batters fell to Kuldeep Yadav in the space of just eight balls. Kuldeep struck on his very first ball as he bowled out Ravindra for 37 runs just as the batter was starting to look dangerous. 

Harbhajan Singh praises Indian spinners show in CT2025 finals 

Former Indian spin legend Harbhajan Singh was all praise for all four spin bowlers that India played on Sunday. Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel bowled well to restrict the Kiwi batters. The former Indian star, during his chat on Star Sports, praised Kuldeep and Chakravarthy in particular. 

Singh said, “They can become that partnership that will win India a lot of matches in the years to come. They can become much better than Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh." It is to be noted that Kumble and Singh had a famed partnership in the 2000’s. Kumble ended up with 619 Test wickets, while Harbhajan Singh picked 417 wickets. 

“They can certainly reach that standard. There’s no question, because both have age on their side. They can play together for many years and only improve from here. These are early days for them.” Said the former India star player on Star Sports. Varun Chakravarthy, who was a late inclusion in the side, picked 5/42 in his second ever ODI match last week.