India beat New Zealand by four wickets to be crowned ICC Champions Trophy 2025 winners
India crowned Champions Trophy kings in Dubai
DUBAI — The celebrations ran deep into the night as India were crowned champions of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, beating New Zealand by four wickets in a final that lived up to its billing. The tournament made its long-awaited return after eight years, and the Men in Blue ensured the comeback edition ended in glory — with fireworks lighting up the night sky as skipper Rohit Sharma held the prestigious trophy aloft after accepting it from ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
Rohit Sharma, named Player of the Match for his defining knock of 76 runs off 83 balls that set the tone for the chase, led his side up the stage as the players of the winning team collected their white jackets and medals. The players of the runners-up, New Zealand, followed as captain Mitchell Santner and his squad collected their medals.
'The crowd made a huge difference': Rohit hails fans and spinners
Speaking to presenter Ian Bishop after collecting his medal, Rohit began by thanking the crowd for their support throughout the tournament, noting this was not their home ground and the way the supporters turned up was amazing. He added that right from the beginning, his spinners in particular never disappointed, and acknowledged his bowlers for doing well throughout.
On KL Rahul, the skipper called him "the one with a solid and calm mind, the one who never gets bogged under pressure," saying his composed batting under pressure allows others — especially someone like Hardik Pandya — to play freely. He also singled out Varun Chakaravarthy, saying he has "something very different in him" and that on pitches like these, you want a bowler like him. Admitting the leg-spinner didn't start the tournament but played in the latter matches and got crucial wickets, Rohit said they simply wanted to maximise his abilities.
Reflecting on his own Player of the Match display, Rohit said he gets the backing of the team to try to be different, and that he received the right support from Rahul Dravid back in the ODI World Cup and from Gautam here. Having played at this venue, he understands the nature of the pitch, tries to use his feet and has a clear mindset of how to target the first few overs. "It sometimes gets me out but also gives us results like these," he said, adding that he likes having this kind of batting depth, which gives them the confidence to go hard at the new ball up front.
Santner: 'Beaten by a better side on the day'
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged that his side were beaten by a better team on the day but admitted he couldn't have asked for more from the group. He felt they were about 20-25 runs short, yet praised the team's fighting spirit and the effort shown. He particularly highlighted Rohit Sharma's performance, saying the first powerplay was the best time to bat and Rohit was outstanding during that period.
Captaining New Zealand for the first time in an ICC event was, in his words, very enjoyable, and his job was made easier by different guys stepping up at different moments. "I can't thank the guys enough for that," he said.
Kohli: 'Collective effort is what has done it for us'
Virat Kohli said it was amazing to lift the trophy and revealed the team wanted to bounce back after a tough Australia tour. He described it as lovely to play with such an amazing bunch of youngsters, appreciating them for stepping up and taking the Indian team in the right direction. "To win titles, the whole team needs to step up in different games," he said, pointing to different players stepping up at different times and bowlers bowling crucial spells. "Collective effort is what has done it for us."
On New Zealand, Kohli said they have always been in awe of what the Kiwis can do with a limited number of players, calling them the best fielding side and noting every player in their camp has immense belief in their skills. He ended on a poignant note, saying it was sad to see a good friend in Kane Williamson on the losing side, adding that there is only respect between them.
Rachin Ravindra named Player of the Tournament
Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Tournament for scoring 263 runs, including two centuries. He said it had been a great finale and that they played really good cricket, crediting India as a strong side. Asked what makes him such a good player at ICC events, he said he likes tournament cricket because there is a common goal to win the trophy, and that is what brings the best out of him. He admitted it would have been the icing on the cake had they won the trophy, "but cricket can be a cruel sport sometimes."
Young guns and finishers weigh in
Shubman Gill said it felt amazing and that for most of the time he sat back and enjoyed Rohit's batting, with the pair's partnership at the top crucial. He revealed Rohit's advice — that no matter how big the scoreboard gap is, the aim should be to bat as long as possible. Gill added that after missing out in 2023, the side are delighted to win eight back-to-back ODIs.
Kuldeep Yadav credited KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja for finishing the job in a game that did not need him to bat, and praised the immaculate planning behind managing four spinners. Varun Chakaravarthy called his late inclusion a sudden one he didn't expect to turn out like this, describing it as a dream come true built on sticking to the plans. Shreyas Iyer, ecstatic after winning his first ICC Trophy, said he likes to thrive under pressure — and whenever his knock comes in handy for a team win, it feels good. A delighted Hardik Pandya, wrapped in the Indian tricolour, recalled that back in 2017 they couldn't get the job done, and praised KL Rahul's immense talent for taking the chances at the right time. Ravindra Jadeja, for his part, said Hardik and KL Rahul batted really well in the last 10 overs on a tricky pitch.
As the presentation ceremony concluded with Aaron Finch placing the trophy on the podium and the match officials receiving mementoes for officiating of the highest standard, one sentiment echoed from both camps: the Champions Trophy had returned after eight years and left an indelible mark on everyone who watched it.