Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Mar 10: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah, and several other leaders hailed team India’s historic victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, as Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue defeated New Zealand by four wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The triumph marked India’s third Champions Trophy title, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
Chasing a target of 252 on a slow and turning pitch, India made an impressive start with skipper Rohit Sharma attacking the bowlers while his opening partner Shubman Gill played the anchor role. However, the New Zealand bowlers struck back by dismissing Gill and run-machine Virat Kohli in quick succession, applying pressure on the Indian innings. The middle order, led by Shreyas Iyer, steadied the chase as the match went down to the wire. With contributions from Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, India overcame the tense moments to seal the victory with an over to spare.
The win comes as a redemption moment for Indian cricket after the heartbreak of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup final. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front, top-scoring with 76 off 83 balls. Shreyas Iyer’s composed 48 off 62 deliveries, coupled with KL Rahul’s unbeaten 34 off 33 balls, ensured India got over the line in a challenging chase. Despite the New Zealand bowlers’ persistent efforts, India’s batting depth proved crucial in securing the win.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand posted 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs, with Daryl Mitchell playing a gritty knock of 63 off 101 balls and Michael Bracewell providing a late flourish with an unbeaten 53 off 40 balls. India’s spinners dominated proceedings on a sluggish pitch, with the wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy taking two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with one. Their disciplined effort restricted New Zealand to a total that India was eventually able to chase down.
India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, starting with a commanding victory over Bangladesh in the opening match, followed by a thrilling win against arch-rival Pakistan. The Men in Blue continued their dominant run, defeating New Zealand in the final league match to finish as table toppers before overcoming Australia in the semi-final.
The historic triumph was met with overwhelming praise from political leaders and cricketing enthusiasts alike. President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the team, stating, “Heartiest congratulations to team India for winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India becomes the only team to win the Trophy thrice. The players, management, and support staff deserve the highest accolades for creating cricketing history.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded the team’s performance, expressing his pride in their achievement. “An exceptional game and an exceptional result! proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They’ve played wonderfully through the tournament,” he wrote on X.
Home minister Amit Shah called the victory a defining moment in cricketing history. “A victory that scripts history. Congratulations to team India on clinching a stunning victory in the ICC #ChampionsTrophy2025. Your fiery energy and unassailable dominance on the pitch made the nation proud, setting a new benchmark for cricketing excellence. May you always come off with flying colours,” he wrote.
BJP national president and union minister J P Nadda hailed team India as the "Champion of champions," commending their determination and never-give-up attitude. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also extended his congratulations, emphasizing that the phenomenal team effort had culminated in a glorious victory. Rahul Gandhi echoed the sentiment, writing, “Smashing victory, boys! Each one of you has made a billion hearts swell with pride. #TeamIndia’s phenomenal run in the tournament, marked by brilliant individual performances and sheer dominance on the field, has been truly inspiring. Congratulations, Champions!”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin described India’s campaign as flawless and their victory as one to cherish. He also acknowledged New Zealand’s strong tournament performance, noting that Rohit Sharma and his men rose to the occasion to deliver a campaign of excellence and composure.
With this title win, India now stands as the most successful team in Champions Trophy history, having previously won the tournament in 2002 and 2013. The victory not only cements India’s dominance in world cricket but also serves as a moment of joy for millions of cricket fans across the nation.