Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Men in Blue, was the standout performer in the summit match. In addition to leading his team to victory, the 37-year-old scored a game-winning 76 runs from 83 balls, which helped the Indian team ease out the run chase under duress. This inning earned Rohit Player of the Match as well, making him the only skipper to win it in a final.
Following their victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 9, Team India and the entire nation were in a state of joy. India won their third championship in the tournament’s history and their first in less than a dozen years after defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the grand event.
The Nagpur native spoke to the media following the match to express his honest feelings about winning his first ODI captaincy and his second title in as many months.
Rohit Sharma responded that a Champions Trophy success is by no means inferior to an ODI World Cup victory when asked about the comparison.
“We have only watched the 50-over World Cup since we were young. There was no Champions Trophy, WTC, or T20 World Cup. I mentioned at the time that it was like the 50-over World Cup for us because of this. However, this (pointing to the prize) is not inferior. How does it feel to win this, you ask? A trophy is a trophy, you see. You are really proud if you win any finals. At the post-match press conference, Rohit Sharma stated, “And not just me, the entire team, the entire nation would be feeling very happy today” (translated from Hindi).
Rohit Sharma: Aapko Kya Pata Kitna “Wo” Lagta Hain “Ye” Jeetne Ke Liye. pic.twitter.com/5WAmaw2y6S
— चिरकुट ज़िंदगी (@Chirayu_Jain26) March 9, 2025
Speaking of the game, the team captained by Mitchell Santner got off to a respectable start when they won the toss and batted first. Rachin Ravindra, the opener, looked dangerous at first (37 off 29), but Kuldeep Yadav (10-0-40-2) dismissed him early in his session. They later overcame 251-7 in 50 overs thanks to the knocks of Michael Bracewell (53 off 40) and Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101).
In response, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, his deputy, put up a strong 105-run partnership for the first wicket. However, India needed to steady the falling ship after both the openers and ace batsman Virat Kohli took three fast wickets. At that point, India crossed the finish line thanks to contributions from KL Rahul (34* off 33) and Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62), who both made minor but significant knocks. With one over remaining, the Men in Blue prevailed thanks to the last runs scored by Ravindra Jadeja.
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