In less than a year, India will be aiming for another global title when they face fellow former champions New Zealand in a highly anticipated Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in UAE today.

India's most recent major title came last year when they won the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, marking their first world title since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

However, in the 50-over format, India have struggled in recent years. Despite reaching at least the semifinals in all four major 50-over tournaments since 2013 -- three World Cups and one Champions Trophy -- they have failed to clinch the trophy.

"Once you get one title, it breaks the jinx. Winning the title [in 2024] doesn't make us less hungry but more balanced to win the next one," said India's vice-captain Shubman Gill in yesterday's pre-final press conference.

The Champions Trophy, however, is a different story. India have a solid record in the tournament, reaching the final in four out of eight events and winning the title twice -- in 2002 (as co-winners with Sri Lanka) and in 2013.

This year, India are the only unbeaten team in the tournament, having won all four of their matches, including a victory over New Zealand in their final group game. Yet, Gill and Co will remember the heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final following a winning streak of ten matches.

India's campaign this time has not been without controversy, with criticism for playing all matches in Dubai due to political tensions with Pakistan, while other teams split matches between Pakistan and the UAE.

The wickets in Dubai have proven challenging for high scores. India's 267 runs in the first semifinal, chasing down Australia's total, remains the highest team total in the tournament. The final will be played on the same wicket where India faced Pakistan in February, which also failed to produce a run-fest.

"I don't think the wicket will behave differently," Gill added, confident in the current Indian batting line-up, which he believes is the best he has ever been part of.

Meanwhile, New Zealand, regular finalists in recent ICC events, are targeting their first major title since the 2000 edition of the Champions Trophy. They have reached their fourth final since 2015, having won all but one of their group-stage games, including a clinical semifinal victory over South Africa.

With both sides in form and hungry for success, the final promises to be a thrilling contest that could pave the way for future triumphs.