Dubai, March 9 – Team India secured a much-awaited ICC trophy in ODI cricket, defeating New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue clinched their third Champions Trophy title, becoming the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
The final was a thrilling contest, with India successfully chasing 252 runs after a disciplined bowling performance restricted New Zealand to 251/9 in 50 overs. Captain Rohit Sharma shone on the big stage, smashing a fluent 76 to anchor the chase, while Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul provided crucial support to seal the win.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Surpass MS Dhoni
With this victory, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli became India’s most successful players in men’s ICC events, surpassing the legendary MS Dhoni. The duo now boasts four ICC titles each, marking an incredible milestone in their illustrious careers.
For Rohit, this win silenced critics after India’s Test series defeats against Australia and New Zealand in the 2024-25 season. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who finished among the top five run-scorers in the tournament with 218 runs in five matches, reaffirmed his status as India’s batting mainstay.
Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Key Stats and Records
- 23: India have won 23 of their last 24 matches in ICC tournaments, a streak dating back to the ODI World Cup 2023.
- 12: India ended a 12-year drought for an ICC ODI trophy, their last title coming in the Champions Trophy 2013.
- 4: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now have four ICC trophies each, overtaking MS Dhoni in India’s all-time list.
- 4: Rohit became only the fourth captain after MS Dhoni (2011), Ricky Ponting (2003), and Clive Lloyd (1975) to win Player of the Match in an ICC final.
- 2: Rohit Sharma is now the second Indian captain to win multiple ICC titles, after MS Dhoni (3 titles).
- 2: India have won two ICC trophies in less than nine months – T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025.
- 1: India became the first team to win three Champions Trophies (2002, 2013, and 2025), surpassing Australia (2 titles – 2006, 2009).
- 1: New Zealand’s only ICC final triumph remains their 2000 Champions Trophy victory against India, extending their 25-year wait for another major title.
Dominant Bowling Performance Sets Up Victory
India’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory, keeping New Zealand in check despite a strong start by Rachin Ravindra. The spin quartet applied pressure in the middle overs, restricting scoring opportunities and forcing errors.
While New Zealand managed 251/9 in 50 overs, the total proved insufficient against India’s batting depth. Rohit Sharma set the tone early, attacking the Kiwi bowlers, and ensuring that the run chase never looked out of control.
Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Seals a Historic Triumph
Since taking over the captaincy, Rohit Sharma has emphasized an aggressive and fearless approach, a strategy that has now paid off with two ICC trophies in less than a year. His leadership in high-pressure moments and ability to deliver when it mattered most cemented his legacy as one of India’s greatest captains.
With India’s dominance in ICC events continuing, this win reinforces their stature as one of the most formidable teams in world cricket. The wait for an ICC trophy is finally over, and Team India has reclaimed its place at the top of the cricketing world.
