India beat New Zealand by four wickets to win Champions Trophy 2025, Rohit Sharma lifts trophy

India crowned Champions Trophy 2025 champions after four-wicket win over New Zealand

The Men in Blue completed the long-awaited return of the Champions Trophy after eight years with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final. The win sparked celebrations in the Indian camp as the team collected white jackets and medals on stage in Dubai.

Presentation and trophy lift

The players of the winning team were invited onto the stage to collect their white jackets, a symbol of victory and distinction for the Champions Trophy winners. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma walked up last to wear his jacket before accepting the prestigious Champions Trophy from ICC Chairman Jay Shah as fireworks lit up the night sky. Rohit then stepped up to collect his medal before speaking to the crowd.

Rohit thanked the crowd for their support throughout the tournament, noting it was not their home ground. He credited the spinners for never disappointing from the beginning and praised his bowlers for doing well throughout the competition.

Player of the Match and Tournament

Rohit Sharma was named Player of the Match for his knock of 76 runs off 83 balls which set the tone in the chase. He said the team played some really good cricket throughout the tournament and having the result in their favour felt very nice.

On his approach, Rohit explained he gets backing from the team to try and be different and received support from Rahul Dravid back in the ODI World Cup and from Gautam here. Having played at the venue before, he said 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. He added that he likes having batting depth, which gives confidence to go hard at the new ball up front.

Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Tournament for scoring 263 runs, including two tons. He said it has been a great finale and credited India for being a strong side. On playing tournament cricket, Ravindra said he likes it because there is a common goal to win the trophy and that brings the best out of him.

Key reflections from the final

Rohit highlighted KL Rahul as the one with a solid and calm mind who never gets bogged under pressure, saying his calm and composed batting under pressure conditions allows others to play freely, especially for someone like Hardik Pandya.

On Varun Chakaravarthy, Rohit said he has something very different in him and on such pitches you want to have someone like him. Chakaravarthy did not start the tournament but played in the latter matches and got crucial wickets, and the team maximised his abilities.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner collected his medal and said they were beaten by a better side on the day but could not have asked for more from the group as a captain. He felt New Zealand were about 20-25 runs short but the team’s fighting spirit was evident.

Santner highlighted Rohit Sharma’s performance in the Powerplay, saying the first Powerplay was the best time to bat and Rohit was outstanding during that period. He said captaining New Zealand for the first time in an ICC event was very enjoyable and his job was made easier by different players stepping up at different moments.

Team voices

Virat Kohli joined the conversation saying it has been amazing and the team wanted to bounce back after a tough Australia tour. He said it is lovely to play with such an amazing bunch of youngsters and appreciated them for stepping up and taking the Indian team in the right direction.

Shubman Gill said it feels amazing and for most of the time he sat back and enjoyed Rohit’s batting. He said their partnership was important and Rohit told him it doesn’t matter how big the scoreboard gap is, the aim should be to bat as long as possible. Gill added they won eight back-to-back ODIs and appreciated New Zealand as a consistent side that executes plans accurately.

Kuldeep Yadav credited KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja for finishing the game that did not need him to bat, saying this win is for the fans and Rohit managed four spinners with immaculate planning.

Varun Chakaravarthy said it was a sudden inclusion and he did not expect it to turn up like this for him. Shreyas Iyer said he is ecstatic and it is his first ICC Trophy, adding he likes to thrive under pressure.

Hardik Pandya, wrapped in the Indian tricolour, said back in 2017 they could not do the job but felt happy to do it this time around and appreciated KL Rahul for taking chances at the right time.

Ravindra Jadeja noted Hardik and KL Rahul batted really well in the last 10 overs on a tricky pitch which changed the course of the chase.