There were no fiery exchanges in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. New Zealand lived up to their image of 'nice guys' but fierce competitors on the field as they did not let India off the hook despite Rohit Sharma's blazing start in the run chase. After India's four-wicket win, Virat Kohli lauded New Zealand for forming a formidable team despite limited amount of players relatively. Kohli was also asked about his friend Kane Williamson and the 36-year-old said that he is said to see him lose but it has happened to him as well.
"They've been probably the most consistent team in the last few years in big tournaments. And the reason for that is their immense belief in their skills and the amount of talent they have. They utilize that to the maximum and easily the best fielding side in the world. So yeah, huge shout out to them. They continue to display why they are one of the top teams in the world. And again, a great campaign," Kohli told the broadcasters after the Champions Trophy triumph.
"Sad to see a very good friend of mine (Kane Williamson) on the losing side, but I've been on the losing side a couple of times when he's been on the winning side. So only love between us."
Kohli was on the losing side in the ICC ODI World Cup 2019 semifinal and inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final in addition to the group stage loss in ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
In the final, Kohli was electric on the field but could not do much with the bat. Walking in to bat after a 105-run opening partnership, Kohli was dismissed for just one run by off-spinner Michael Bracewell. The veteran Indian batter reviewed the decision but it did not go in his favour.
Kohli on bouncing back
Kohli also talked about the tough Australian tour where they could not retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He is happy to see young guys step up and perform for the team.
"We wanted to bounce back after a tough Australia tour, wanted to win a big tournament and we ended up doing that. So, it's an amazing feeling, lovely playing with a bunch of such amazing youngsters, so much talent in the change room and they're taking Indian cricket forward in the right direction. And we're really happy to help, share our experience and try to make an impact whenever we get a chance. But yeah, these guys are stepping up in a massive way and that's why we are such a strong team," he said.
Kohli's numbers in Champions Trophy 2025
Kohli finished the tournament as India's second-highest run-scorer after Shreyas Iyer. He scored 218 runs from five innings at an average of 54.50 including a century against Pakistan and an 84-run knock in the semifinal against Australia.