Home
Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team defeated Mitchell Santner's New Zealand by four wickets to win the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which was being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, on March 9 (Sunday). Virat Kohli, who has been India's top performer throughout the tournament, was a key figure behind India's historic title victory. The Men in Blue as they have become the first team to win the Champions Trophy title for a record three times.
Virat Kohli hinted at retirement?
The Indian batting maestro got out after scoring just 1 run in the Final of the mega tournament, but it would not foreshadow his heroics throughout the marquee competition. After the match, Virat Kohli said something that made fans believe he might be hinting towards retirement. He said when you leave you want to leave in a good position.
"It's been amazing, we wanted to bounce back after a tough Australia tour. Lovely playing with a bunch of amazing youngsters. They're stepping up and taking India in the right direction. After playing for so long, you look forward to playing under pressure. To win titles, the whole team has to step up in different games. People have played such impactful knocks and had spells, that collective effort is what has done it for us. I try to speak to these guys, try to share my experience, tell them how I've played for so long," said Virat Kohli after the match.
"When you leave, you want to leave in a better position. So many impactful knocks Gill, Shreyas, Rahul, et al have played. The team is in good hands. We've always been in awe of what NZ can do with limited no. of players. They come in with a set plan. Every fielder knows where the bowler will bowl. They have immense belief in their skills, best fielding side. Huge shoutout to them. Sad to see a very good friend (Kane Williamson) on the losing side, only love between us," he added.
The whole Indian team erupted in an uncontrollable celebration as they clinched their third Champions Trophy title and the first one after 12 years. They were the runner-up in the previous edition and to win the title again filled the whole team with happiness. The same excitement took over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who started playing Dandiya with the stumps.
The Men in Blue won the title again for the first time since 2013 and added the 7th ICC trophy to their cabinet. They remained unbeaten throughout the competition. Rohit Sharma became the second Indian captain to win more than one ICC title after MS Dhoni. He is also the only India captain to win back-to-back ICC tournaments.
