Historic Third Champions Trophy – Daily Excelsior
In an exhilarating final on March 9th, India clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy title, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a tight encounter in Dubai. This victory not only solidified India’s supremacy in the tournament but also underlined their consistent dominance on the world stage. The triumph was a culmination of strategic brilliance, individual excellence, and collective determination, showcasing why India remains a powerhouse in the global cricketing arena. By winning the Champions Trophy without losing a single match, India etched their name in history, becoming the first team to win the coveted title thrice. This triumph, however, was no mere accident; it was the result of exceptional leadership, composed batting, and world-class bowling.
The spotlight of the final naturally fell on Rohit Sharma, whose leadership and contribution with the bat played a crucial role in India’s victory. Rohit showcased his experience and finesse, anchoring the chase with an invaluable 76 runs off 83 balls. His innings set the platform for a successful chase of New Zealand’s 251, helping his side recover from a few bumps in the road. While the Blackcaps spinners threatened to derail the chase, Rohit’s approach-combining aggressive strokeplay with a cool-headed approach when needed-proved to be the perfect recipe for success. His decision to rely heavily on the spin quartet proved to be a masterstroke. The spinners not only stifled the New Zealand batters but also picked up crucial wickets at regular intervals, restricting the Kiwis to a modest total.
While Rohit’s contribution was vital, the Indian bowling attack, particularly the spinners, played a key role in ensuring India had the upper hand from the start of the match. The Indian spinners were the unsung heroes of the final. Spinners exploited the sluggish pitch to perfection. India’s bowling depth was on full display, with the four spinners sharing the workload across 38 overs and conceding just 144 runs. This remarkable discipline with the ball kept the Blackcaps’ score in check and ultimately ensured they could not post a daunting total. Even when New Zealand mounted a late charge, it was evident that their efforts were too little, too late. Despite some late hitting, their final total of 251 was always likely to be insufficient on a pitch where the Indian spinners could create havoc.
India’s win also stands as a testament to their ability to adapt under pressure. Despite a few early setbacks in the chase, the calmness displayed by their batters ensured the team remained on course. The win was not just a team effort but also a celebration of Indian cricket’s evolution over the years. The Champions Trophy 2025 triumph added another glittering achievement to India’s cricketing legacy, joining the successes of 2002 and 2013. As the celebrations roared in Dubai, there was a palpable sense of fulfilment for the Indian team. This victory was a culmination of years of preparation, strategy, and individual brilliance. Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the spinners’ mastery, and the steady batting in the chase all contributed to a victory that will be remembered for years to come.
For New Zealand, this defeat, though hard to swallow, was a reminder of the fine margins in international cricket. Nevertheless, the Kiwis should take pride in their spirited performance, even in defeat. India’s all-round dominance sealed the game and secured them their third Champions Trophy title. The victory celebrations ignited a wave of joy across India, keeping the nation alive late into the night. It was mesmerising to witness a sea of enthusiastic youth dancing, bursting crackers, and parading on two and four-wheelers, proudly waving the Indian flag. The atmosphere was nothing short of a grand Diwali celebration. This triumph will be remembered not just for the records broken but for the spirit and determination that defined it. The future of Indian cricket looks bright, and the legacy of this team will inspire generations to come.
