‘The way we played as team was incredible’: Hardik Pandya on India’s Champions Trophy victory | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya lauded his teammates for their outstanding performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, crediting their self-belief and skillset for the title win against New Zealand in the final.
Speaking on Star Sports, Pandya emphasised that the victory was a complete team effort and highlighted the significance of playing in an ICC tournament.
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“Whenever we play in an ICC tournament, it’s always special. The stakes are high, and 50-over cricket presents unique challenges. But the way we played as a team was incredible,” Pandya said.
Pandya also singled out KL Rahul for his exceptional contributions, particularly in the semifinal against Australia and the final against New Zealand.
“I want to mention KL Rahul—this is who he is. Very few players possess the kind of talent and composure he has. What he did in the last two games showcased his ability, and I’m really happy for him,” Pandya remarked.
Rahul played a crucial role in India’s middle order, finishing games under pressure. He remained unbeaten in both the semifinal and final, scoring a vital 34* in the summit clash to help India chase down 252. Across four innings in the tournament, he amassed 140 runs at an astounding average of 140.
India clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy title at the Dubai International Stadium, with Rohit Sharma earning the Player of the Match award for his commanding 76-run knock. The victory was built on collective brilliance, with impactful performances across the squad.
Pandya attributed the success to the team’s unity, citing crucial moments such as sharp fielding, game-changing bowling spells, and match-winning innings.
“We believe in our skill set, which helped us play the brand of cricket we did. There’s self-belief in everyone. Even if one of us gets out — be it me, KL, or anyone else — we know that as a group, we can get the job done. This victory wasn’t about individual brilliance — it was a complete team effort,” Pandya said.
Throughout the tournament, India’s top order delivered consistently, while the bowling unit—both pacers and spinners—played a pivotal role by taking crucial wickets. The collective effort of the entire squad ensured India’s triumph in yet another ICC event, reinforcing their dominance in white-ball cricket.
