Indian Fans Rejoice as Richard Kettleborough Misses India-NZ Final

India is set to face New Zealand in the highly anticipate Champions Trophy 2025 final on Sunday, but even before the match, Indian fans are celebrating the absence of umpire Richard Kettleborough from the field. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue secured their spot in the final by defeating Australia in the semi-finals at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. Virat Kohli played a composed knock of 84 off 98 balls while chasing a target of 265 set by Australia after winning the toss. India ultimately clinched victory by 4 wickets with 11 balls to spare. Meanwhile, New Zealand dominated South Africa in the other semi-final, posting a massive total of 362/6. Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra both smashed impressive centuries, while the Proteas fell short, managing only 312/9 in response.

Richard Kettleborough Trends on X Ahead of India vs New Zealand Final – Here’s Why

As India prepares to take on the Black Caps in the final on Sunday, ICC umpire Richard Kettleborough became a top trend on X in India late Thursday night. But what’s the reason behind it?

If you’re not familiar with cricket, Richard Kettleborough has been the on-field umpire during several heartbreaking defeats for India. When India lost to Sri Lanka in the 2014 T20 World Cup Final—Kettleborough was there. He was also present when India suffered a heavy defeat against Australia in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. During the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final loss to West Indies? Kettleborough was on the field. Even in the painful 2017 Champions Trophy Final defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan, Kettleborough was officiating.

One of the most unforgettable—and haunting—memories of Richard Kettleborough’s presence on the field was during India’s 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. With hopes resting on Mahendra Singh Dhoni to chase down the target of 240 at Old Trafford, a moment of brilliance from Martin Guptill left the entire nation in shock. Standing just a few meters away, Kettleborough witnessed the drama unfold, and his expression spoke volumes.

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With India needing 25 runs off 10 balls and Dhoni at the crease, hopes were still alive—until Guptill intervene. Dhoni flicked the ball to the leg side for a couple, sprinting through the first run in a flash. However, a slight hesitation on the second run left him struggling to reach the keeper’s end. That’s when Guptill appeared out of nowhere, unleashing a lightning-fast throw that hit the stumps directly, catching Dhoni short of his crease. This moment all but ended India’s hopes of securing another trophy under Dhoni’s leadership. Heartbreak filled the air—and, as always on India’s big-match defeats, so did Kettleborough.

“Great news!” exclaimed one ecstatic fan. “Not Richard bhai… a bit of relief for Team India,” another user reacted with a sigh of relief. “Thank God, he’s not there!” one commenter expressed. “Experienced umpires are present, but everyone was searching for Richard Kettleborough,” noted another.

Paul Reiffel and Richard Illingworth will officiate on the field as India faces New Zealand in the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final. While Joel Wilson and Kumar Dharmasena will serve as the third and fourth umpires, respectively.

According to an ICC media release, Paul Reiffel and Richard Illingworth. Both part of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. Have been assigned as the on-field umpires for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand. Set to take place in Dubai on Sunday.

“Both stood in the semi-finals, with Illingworth in the middle for India’s four-wicket win over Australia and Reiffel overseeing the Black Caps ’50-run victory over South Africa the following day,” the release further stated.

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