India Wins Third ICC Champions Trophy: Kohli's Vision for the Future
India has finally ended its 12-year ICC ODI title drought by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This remarkable victory marked India's third Champions Trophy title, making them the first team to achieve this feat. With a strong team performance and remarkable leadership, India’s cricket dominance continues to grow.
A Historic Victory for Team India
The final match, held at the Dubai International Stadium, witnessed an intense battle between India and New Zealand. New Zealand set a target of 252 runs, with Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53) being the top scorers for the Kiwis. However, India's disciplined bowling attack, led by Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40), restricted New Zealand to a modest total of 251/7.
In response, India chased down the target with an over to spare, thanks to an outstanding 76-run knock by Rohit Sharma, supported by KL Rahul (34), Hardik Pandya (18), and Ravindra Jadeja, who hit the winning boundary. This victory brought immense joy to Indian cricket fans worldwide, as the team lifted its third ICC Champions Trophy after previous wins in 2002 and 2013.
Virat Kohli’s Inspirational Words
Post-match, Virat Kohli, one of India's greatest cricketers, expressed his pride in the team and highlighted their potential for long-term dominance. Speaking to the media, Kohli stated:
"When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place. I feel we've got a squad that's ready to take on the world for the next eight years. Shubman has been outstanding, Shreyas has played some top knocks, KL has finished games, and Hardik has been superb with the bat."
Kohli’s words clearly reflected his belief in the young talents who have consistently delivered on big stages. He also acknowledged the depth of the squad and expressed his excitement for India's future in international cricket.
Key Highlights of the Match
Here’s a quick recap of the match highlights:
✅ New Zealand Score: 251/7 (50 overs)
✅ Top Scorers for NZ: Daryl Mitchell (63), Michael Bracewell (53)
✅ India’s Bowling Performance: Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45), Kuldeep Yadav (2/40)
✅ India’s Chase: 252/6 (49 overs)
✅ Top Scorers for India: Rohit Sharma (76), KL Rahul (34), Hardik Pandya (18)
✅ Winning Shot: Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning boundary
✅ India’s Victory Margin: 4 wickets
India’s Road to Victory
India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating major teams like England, Australia, South Africa, and Pakistan to make it to the final against New Zealand. The tournament was hosted in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking another milestone for international cricket.
The strong performance by India's bowling unit, backed by consistent batting, ensured their dominance in the tournament. Skipper Rohit Sharma led the charge with his remarkable form, while the middle-order held their nerve during crunch moments.
Kohli’s Respect for New Zealand
Virat Kohli also praised the New Zealand team, especially their captain Kane Williamson, for their competitive spirit. He stated:
"They’re an amazing team. We’ve always been in awe of what they can do despite having a smaller talent pool. They execute their plans so well, and their fielding unit is easily the best in the world."
Kohli’s camaraderie with Williamson has always been admirable, and despite the competitive spirit, sportsmanship and mutual respect were evident throughout the match.
India’s Growing ICC Trophy Collection
With this win, India has now won:
- ✅ 2 ODI World Cups (1983, 2011)
- ✅ 2 T20 World Cups (2007, 2021)
- ✅ 3 ICC Champions Trophies (2002, 2013, 2025)
This makes India the most successful team in the history of ICC Champions Trophy, surpassing Australia’s two-title record.
What’s Next for Team India?
The future of Indian cricket looks brighter than ever, with young talents like Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad stepping up to deliver match-winning performances. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma and guidance from experienced players like Virat Kohli, India is set to dominate the cricketing world for the next decade.
Fans can now look forward to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026, where India will once again aim for global glory.
Conclusion
India’s triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is more than just a trophy win – it’s a statement of India’s dominance in world cricket. With a talented squad, experienced leadership, and unwavering fan support, India's cricket future looks promising.
As Virat Kohli rightly said – "When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place." This victory is a testament to his leadership, guidance, and vision for Team India.
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Reference from:-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-champions-trophy-2025/when-you-leave-you-want-to-leave-the-team-in-a-better-place-virat-kohli/articleshow/118822872.cms