India's 2025 Champions Trophy Triumph: A tale of redemption and resilience

India's 2025 ICC Champions Trophy victory is more than just another trophy, it is a moment of redemption, a triumph that washes away the painful memories of past heartbreaks.

After a 12-year-long wait for an ICC ODI trophy, India finally lifted the Champions Trophy once again, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

This victory is especially significant considering India’s struggles in previous ICC events.

The painful 3-1 Test series defeat in Australia earlier this year was still fresh, and the memory of losing the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad haunted fans and players alike.

Even further back, the 2017 Champions Trophy final loss to Pakistan, where India suffered a crushing 180-run defeat, was a wound that never truly healed.

But now, those scars have begun to fade, replaced by the joy of another ICC title.

Heroes Who Stepped Up for India

In the high-pressure final, New Zealand managed to put up 251 in 48.3 overs, with Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53) playing crucial knocks.

However, India's bowlers ensured that the Kiwis never ran away with the game. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy were outstanding, picking up key wickets in the middle overs to break partnerships and stall New Zealand’s momentum.

India’s 2025 Champions Trophy victory was not just about a few standout performances, it was a triumph built on teamwork, resilience, and bold decision-making.

Some players rose to the occasion when it mattered most, while others provided the crucial support needed to get India over the line. But at the heart of it all was Rohit Sharma’s fearless leadership.

Fittingly, it was Ravindra Jadeja who struck the winning runs, a sight Indian fans have become accustomed to, whether for the national team or for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

The moment the ball pierced the infield, the entire team erupted in celebration as India finally reclaimed an ICC ODI trophy after 12 long years.

Rohit Sharma: The Captain Who Trusted His Instincts

Rohit Sharma’s captaincy was instrumental in India’s title run. He wasn’t afraid to make bold calls, even when experts and former cricketers questioned his approach.

One of the biggest gambles he took was backing a spin-heavy bowling attack, consistently playing four spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, even when many cricket pundits felt it was a risky move.

But Rohit had a plan. He recognized that the slow pitches in the UAE would favor spin, and he stuck to his strategy even when others doubted him.

His decision paid off brilliantly, as India’s spinners dominated throughout the tournament, choking opposition batters and making life difficult for teams used to playing against pace.

In the final, Kuldeep and Varun combined for four crucial wickets, proving that Rohit’s instincts were spot on.

Beyond strategy, Rohit led from the front with the bat. His 76 in the final was a captain’s knock, setting the tone for India’s chase. He had faced heartbreak in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, and the 2017 Champions Trophy final loss still lingered in memory. But this time, he ensured that his team didn’t crumble under pressure.

KL Rahul & Shreyas Iyer: The Middle-Order Anchors

With nerves running high in the final, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer provided the stability India needed in the middle overs.

Rahul, ever the calm presence under pressure, played a crucial unbeaten 34 off 33 balls, it wasn’t the flashiest innings, but it was exactly what India required to get over the line.

Shreyas Iyer’s composed 48 was equally vital. His ability to rotate the strike and find the occasional boundary ensured that India never lost momentum.

Another key tactical decision throughout the tournament was Axar Patel’s promotion above KL Rahul in the batting order.

Rohit Sharma and the team management backed Axar’s ability to counter spin and accelerate in the middle overs, a move that worked brilliantly on multiple occasions.

In the final, Axar chipped in with a valuable 29 runs, ensuring that India remained in control of the chase.

Throughout the tournament, Axar, Rahul, and Iyer played the role of stabilizers, absorbing pressure in crucial moments and ensuring that India never suffered collapses when it mattered most.

Kuldeep Yadav & Varun Chakravarthy: India’s Spin Twins

With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, the pressure was on India’s spinners to deliver, and Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy did not disappoint.

Kuldeep’s ability to deceive batters with flight and turn was crucial, while Varun’s mystery spin created doubts in the minds of the opposition.

In the final, their combined four-wicket haul ensured that New Zealand never got out of hand, choking them in the middle overs when they looked set for a big score.

However, it wasn’t just the wrist spinners who played a role, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel were equally instrumental in keeping opposition batters in check.

With Kuldeep, Varun, Jadeja, and Axar working in tandem, India’s spin quartet became a nightmare for opposition teams, laying the foundation for this historic triumph.

Mohammed Shami & Hardik Pandya: Off-Color but Fighting Spirit Intact

It wasn’t the best night with the ball for Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya, both of whom struggled with their line and length at times. Shami, though experienced, couldn’t find his usual rhythm, while Pandya leaked a few runs in crucial moments.

However, what made them valuable was their ability to keep fighting despite not being at their best.

A True Team Effort

This Champions Trophy win wasn’t just about one or two players, it was about an entire squad that refused to buckle under pressure. Every time India needed a hero, someone stepped up. And in the end, that’s what made this victory so special.

After 12 years of waiting, India finally had an ICC ODI trophy in its hands again, and every single player played a part in making it happen.

For Rohit Sharma, this victory was vindication. His tactical decisions, including his unwavering belief in spin, had been questioned, but he trusted his instincts and was proven right.

He and Virat Kohli had finally lifted the ICC ODI trophy they had long chased, and as they celebrated by playing dandiya with the stumps, it was clear, this was more than just a trophy. It was a moment of redemption.

Exorcising the Ghosts of 2017

For Indian cricket fans, this Champions Trophy win carries even deeper meaning. The painful memory of the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan, where India was completely outplayed, has haunted the team for years.

That day, Pakistan posted a massive 338/4, thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s century, and India's batting collapsed in a one-sided contest. It was a crushing 180-run defeat, leaving scars that lingered for years.

Now, in 2025, the narrative has changed. India has finally reclaimed the trophy that eluded them in 2017, proving that they have evolved as a team.

The ghosts of past failures, especially the heartbreaks in 2017 and 2023, have now been buried under the weight of this long-awaited triumph.

A Heartwarming Celebration: RoKo's Dandiya Moment

The celebrations that followed India’s victory were a sight to behold. One of the most heartwarming moments of the night was Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing dandiya with the stumps on the field.

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The two veterans, who had carried the hopes of Indian cricket for over a decade, were seen smiling, laughing, and joyfully tapping the stumps together in a playful celebration.

It was a moment of pure joy, encapsulating what this victory meant to them, not just as cricketers, but as friends who had shared the highs and lows of Indian cricket.

For years, both Rohit and Kohli had been questioned for their inability to win an ICC ODI trophy as captains. But on this night, none of that mattered. They had finally achieved what they had long desired.

The image of them celebrating together will go down as one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history.

The Road Ahead: What Next for Rohit & Kohli?

With the 2025 Champions Trophy secured, Indian cricket now turns its focus to the next big challenge: the home Test series against England.

But one major question continues to dominate discussions - will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue in ODIs until the 2027 World Cup, or will they choose a home series to bid farewell to ODI cricket?

Both stalwarts have now won every major ICC trophy, cementing their legacies as two of India’s greatest cricketers. Naturally, speculation about their future began swirling immediately after the victory.

However, both Rohit and Kohli were quick to dismiss any retirement rumors, making it clear that they are not done yet.

Rohit, in his typical style, laughed off the speculations, while Kohli reaffirmed his love for the game, stating that he still has a lot to offer to Indian cricket.

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Some believe they might still decide to step away on a high, allowing the next generation to take over, while others feel that their hunger for ICC trophies could push them to aim for one final shot at World Cup glory in 2027.

Whatever they decide, one thing is certain, this 2025 Champions Trophy win has given them the perfect ending to their ICC trophy hunt. After years of heartbreak, they can finally say: We did it.

For now, though, Indian cricket can pause and celebrate. The 12-year wait is over. The heartbreaks of 2017 and 2023 have been avenged.

The Champions Trophy is coming home.