OTD 2025: India Won the ICC Champions Trophy

India lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final after remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. However, they ended their 12-year title drought during the 2024 T20 World Cup. After this phenomenal success, Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach of the Indian team came to an end and he was replaced by Gautam Gambhir. Under Gambhir’s reign, India fared decently in white-ball cricket, but were whitewashed at home in a Test series by New Zealand and lost the Border-Gavaskar series as well.

The 2025 Champions Trophy was the first ICC event in white-ball cricket that India participated in under Gambhir’s leadership. Pakistan were set to host the tournament exclusively but after India refused to travel to their neighbouring nation, it shifted to a hybrid model. India’s matches were hosted in the United Arab Emirates.

Eight teams participated in the marquee event. In Group A, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan were pitted against each other. Meanwhile, South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England found themselves in Group B.

The Men in Blue won all three of their matches in the group stage to sail into the knockouts. They defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh by six wickets and New Zealand by 44 runs.

In the first semi-final, India faced Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The Aussies batted first on a sluggish surface and Steven Smith starred with the bat, scoring a sedate 73 off 96 balls. Meanwhile, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne failed to capitalise on their starts. Alex Carey batted brilliantly down the order and scored 61 off 57 deliveries. In the end, Australia were bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers, as he bagged a three-for. Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with two wickets apiece.

In reply, Virat Kohli scored a fantastic 84 under pressure. Shreyas Iyer also contributed with a 62-ball 45. Australia kept taking wickets at crucial stages but in the end, KL Rahul scored an unbeaten 42 off 34 balls to take his team home with four wickets and 11 balls to spare.

India met New Zealand once again in the final. The Kiwis had a chance to exact revenge for their loss to the Asian giants earlier in the tournament. New Zealand batted first in this clash and it was Rachin Ravindra, who got his team to a fine start. However, India kept chipping away at the wickets. Daryl Mitchell, who has a magnificent record against India, scored a patient 63 off 101 balls. Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell scored 34 and 53*, respectively, as the Kiwis finished on 251/7. Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav bagged two wickets apiece for India.

In reply, India got off to a remarkable start as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill added a 105-run stand for the opening wicket. However, the Kiwis bounced back strongly, picking Gill and Kohli in consecutive overs. Rohit was eventually dismissed for 76 off 83 balls. Shreyas contributed with a fine 48, while KL Rahul scored another unbeaten knock of 34 runs off 33 balls. India won the match with four wickets to spare in 49 overs.

Rohit won the Player of the Match award. On the other hand, Rachin Ravindra got the Player of the Tournament award. India won the Champions Trophy for the first time since 2013.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket playes and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!