On a cool March night in Dubai, India clinched its third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a nerve-shredding final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9, 2025. The win ended a 12-year drought for India in ICC limited-overs tournaments — their last major triumph came in the 2013 Champions Trophy — and cemented their status as the most successful team in the event’s history. What followed was a masterclass in composure under pressure, with Rohit Sharma leading from the front and Ravindra Jadeja delivering the final, unforgettable blow.
Chasing History on a High-Pressure Pitch
New Zealand, after winning the toss, posted 251 for 7 in 50 overs, a total that looked defendable on a true batting surface. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 63 off 101 balls — his slowest ODI fifty — but it was Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 from 42 balls that kept the Kiwis alive. India’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, ripped through the top order, removing openers Rachin Ravindra and Will Young, plus captain Kane Williamson, all inside the first six overs. The pressure mounted.
India’s chase began with fireworks. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put on 105 for the first wicket, with Rohit’s 76 off 83 balls — including a blistering 41-ball fifty — setting the tone. But then came the twist: Virat Kohli, the crowd’s favorite, was trapped lbw by Michael Bracewell for just 1 run. The stadium fell silent. The chase, suddenly, looked fragile.
Middle Order Holds the Line
Enter Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel. With the score at 162 for 3 in the 32nd over, they steadied the ship. Iyer’s 48 off 62 balls was the glue — calm, calculated, and crucial. Axar added 29 from 40, playing the role of the quiet enforcer. When KL Rahul walked in at 215 for 4, the pressure was immense. He didn’t just survive — he accelerated. His 34 not out off 33 balls included six boundaries, turning the momentum back toward India.
With 12 needed off the final 10 balls, Hardik Pandya smashed 18 off 18, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Then came the moment. Two runs needed off seven balls. The crowd held its breath. And then — Ravindra Jadeja, the all-rounder often overlooked in the spotlight, cracked a boundary through mid-wicket. The stadium erupted. India had done it. Four wickets in hand. An over to spare.
Legacy Made, Records Broken
This was more than a trophy. It was history. Rohit Sharma became the first captain ever to win the Player of the Match award in a Champions Trophy final — and only the second Indian captain after MS Dhoni to win multiple ICC trophies. Daryl Mitchell crossed 1,000 runs in ICC limited-overs events during his innings, a milestone that went unnoticed amid the chaos of the chase.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), headquartered in Mumbai, celebrated a triumph that felt long overdue. Since 2013, India had come agonizingly close in World Cups and Champions Trophies — always falling short in the final moments. This time, they didn’t blink.
Why Dubai? The Venue That Saved the Tournament
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was originally slated for Pakistan. But due to persistent security concerns, the International Cricket Council (ICC) moved the entire tournament to the United Arab Emirates. The Dubai International Stadium — part of Dubai Sports City — became the stage for cricket’s most dramatic moments. With its neutral status and excellent facilities, it proved the perfect host. The packed stands, the electric atmosphere, the flawless pitch — it all came together.
India’s win also marked a triumph for spin bowling. Kuldeep and Varun combined for four wickets, while Jadeja’s late cameo showed how vital all-rounders are in modern ODIs. Even Mohammed Shami, who dismissed Mitchell in the 45th over, played a key role in breaking the backbone of New Zealand’s innings.
What’s Next for Indian Cricket?
With the World Cup just 18 months away, this win is more than a celebration — it’s a statement. The team has found its balance: explosive openers, a resilient middle order, and finishers who thrive under pressure. Rohit Sharma’s leadership has matured. The younger players — Gill, Iyer, Jadeja — are stepping up. And the spin department? It’s now world-class.
For New Zealand, it’s another heartbreaking final loss. They’ve now lost three ICC final matches since 2015. Their depth is undeniable, but their inability to close out big games remains a haunting pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has India won the Champions Trophy?
India has now won the Champions Trophy three times — in 2002, 2013, and 2025. This makes them the most successful team in the tournament’s history, ahead of Australia and Pakistan, who each have two titles. The 2025 win ended a 12-year gap since their last ICC trophy, reinforcing their dominance in limited-overs cricket.
Why was the 2025 Champions Trophy held in Dubai instead of Pakistan?
The tournament was originally scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) relocated it to the United Arab Emirates due to ongoing security concerns and logistical challenges. The UAE, with its proven track record of hosting major events, was chosen as a neutral and secure venue, ensuring player safety and global broadcast integrity.
Who was the standout player in the final?
While Rohit Sharma won Player of the Match for his 76, it was Ravindra Jadeja who delivered the defining moment with the winning boundary. His unbeaten 9 off 6 balls under extreme pressure, coupled with his earlier bowling figures of 1 for 38, made him the unsung hero of the final.
What does this win mean for India’s chances in the 2027 World Cup?
This victory signals India’s return to peak form in ODIs. With a balanced squad, strong spin options, and a calm finisher in Jadeja, India enters the 2027 World Cup as favorites. The team has now won its last five matches against top-eight ODI sides in ICC tournaments since 2023 — a sign of growing consistency under pressure.
Why was Virat Kohli’s dismissal such a turning point?
Kohli’s dismissal for just 1 run in the 31st over, when India needed 95 off 100 balls, triggered a collective gasp. He’s the emotional anchor of the team, and his early exit threatened to unravel the chase. But the next four batters — Iyer, Axar, Rahul, and Pandya — responded with composure, proving India’s depth has moved beyond reliance on any single star.
How does this compare to India’s 2013 Champions Trophy win?
In 2013, India won under MS Dhoni’s captaincy with a dominant 5-run victory over England. This 2025 win was more dramatic — a last-over chase against a resilient New Zealand side. The 2013 team had a stronger batting lineup; the 2025 team relies on adaptability and nerve. Both victories reflect India’s ability to win under pressure, but the 2025 win feels more like a team triumph than a captain-led one.
