37-year-old Rohit Sharma scripted history at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9 as he became the second Indian captain after MS Dhoni to win a T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. On November 19, 2023, Rohit was heartbroken after India's loss to Australia in ODI World Cup final despite a stellar run in the tournament. More than a year later, Rohit was ecstatic after lifting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In the post-match press conference, Rohit explained the importance of the Champions Trophy after missing out on ODI World Cup at home.
"Us time pe aisa kaha tha ki humare liye to wo 50-over World Cup, world cup jaisa hai. But, isme koi kami nahi hai. Ye bhi... arey aap mujhe pucho itna wo lagta hai ye jeetne ke liye. Trophy to trophy hai. Aap koi bhi final jeeto, aapko bhut pride feel hota hai, sirf mujhe hi nahi but puri team ko. (At that point of time, the 50-over World Cup was everything. But, this is no smaller feat. Even this (pauses) you ask me what it takes to win this. A trophy is a trophy. Any tournament's final you win, you will pride and not just me but the whole team)" Rohit told the reporters in Dubai on March 9.
There were speculations around Rohit's retirement after the Champions Trophy. The 37-year-old made it clear that he is not going anywhere.
"I am not going to retire from this (ODI) format. Going forward please don't spread rumours," Rohit said.
"No future plans. Jo ho raha hain, woh chalta jayega (Whatever is happening will keep continuing)," he added.
Rohit on his match-winning knock
In the run chase of 252, Rohit got India off to a flier. He shared a 105-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill. Rohit smashed three sixes and seven fours in his 83-ball 76. He set the platform for India in the run chase before getting stumped out off Rachin Ravindra's bowling.
"I haven't done anything different today as I have been doing in the last 3-4 matches. I know how important it is to make runs in Power Play because we have seen that after 10 overs, it becomes very difficult when the field spreads and spinners come,” Rohit said on his approach in the run chase.
"It becomes tough also because the pitch is already slow. So, it is very important for you to take chances from the top.
"I pick the bowler and where I can charge him and where I can play the shot. In that, you may not see that many big runs. Today after that 10 overs, I changed my game a bit. I had to play for a long time,” he further added.
Rohit won the 'Player of the match' for his maiden half-century in a major ICC event's final.