One brings two, and that’s what happened with Team India as they clinched their third Champions Trophy in style. If the T20WC 2024 win was special because it broke the over-decade ‘trophyless’ streak, this win is special as it is India’s second consecutive trophy, that too in less than a year. Another commendable feat was India winning the title unbeaten. Also, it was more or less the same squad that had played the 2023 World Cup, and this win reinforced how strong a force India continues to be in white-ball. nothing brings more joy for we, the Indians, than a win in cricket, and here is my blog on the comprehensive triumph in Champions Trophy 2025.

Shubman Gill led India’s chase with a composed hundred against Bangladesh (Photo: BCCI)

 

India thrash Bangladesh

 

Amid all the geopolitical tensions brewing between the two countries, India took on Bangladesh in its first game. Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first. The decision didn’t help them much as  Shami and Harshit ran a rampage, reducing Bangladesh to 1-1, 2-2 and 26-3. Axar also joined the party, making the scorecard 35-5. It almost seemed the game at that point. but, Towhid Hridoy brought up a brilliant comeback for his team, scoring a magnificent hundred. Well supported by Jaker Ali (68 off 114), he took Bangladesh to 228. Shami was once again the pick of bowlers, with his solid fifer.

Coming out to bat, India was off to a flying start, with Rohit leading the charge with his 41 (29) and Gill continuing the red-hot form he was in. Virat looked rusty on his way to 22 (38) and after Iyer (15) and Axar (8) were out early, the game hung in the balance with India at 144/4. but, Gill continued with his sublime batting and ensured to take India home with his composed and unbeaten hundred (101 off 129). KL Rahul, who was given a new position at number 6 (many were sceptical of the move) performed his job very well, playing a calm and responsible finisher with an unbeaten 41 off 47.

Virat Kohli returned to his vintage colours with a classic century against arch-rivals Pakistan (Photo: BCCI)

Easy Win over Arch-Rivals Pakistan

As much as it is hyped, the India v Pakistan match now fails to live up to the aura, it once had, for the sheer reason of the decline of Pakistan’s cricket. Still, I was expecting a good game time, as I thought, the Pak team would aim to take revenge for losing full hosting rights. Winning the toss, it came out to bat and actually got off to a good start. Babar, especially looked very exquisite, before Pandya got the better of him, getting him edged at 23. Imam was run out soon after, reducing Pakistan to 47/2. From there, skipper Rizwan took the charge to rebuild the innings with Saud Shakeel. The former, however, again took an extreme cautionary tone, aiming to at as long as possible. Despite being slow, the two did bring up a 100-run partnership, which was broken by Axar, who dismissed Rizwan at 46 (77). Pandya struck again getting the top scorer Shakeel after a well-made 62 (76). From there, Pakistan was soon reduced to 200/7 as Kuldeep Yadav bamboozled through the line-up. From there, it was only Khushdil Shah’s late heroics (38 off 39 including some big hits) that took the side to 241, which at least gave them a chance to fight.

India was again off to a flying start, as the Pak owlers struggled to create the impact in powerplay. Ultimately, in the 5th over, Shaheen knocked off Rohit (20 off 15). Gill, continued with his sublime form before Abrar knocked him with a stunner at 46 (52). At 100/2, India was still comfortably placed in the game, as Virat was looking in just his prime touch. He got a solid partner in Iyer, who initially played calmly, before going berserk en route to his 56 (67). Virat was at 80-odd when Iyer was dismissed, and India needed 28 runs to win. The game was in India’s pocket, but still, the whole nation was on its feet, just to see Virat Kohli’s century. After many hiccups, scares, and tension, when India needed 2 to win, Virat (at 96 then) drove one past cover in his trademark fashion, reached his 82nd international ton, and left the whole country erupted in joy. A notable highlight of Virat’s game was that he hit only 7 boundaries, but still managed to keep his strike rate at over 90.

Varun Chakravarthy bamboozled through the whole Kiwi lineup with his rocking fifer (Photo: BCCI)

India Trap New Zealand in Spin Web

Finally, India was up against a quality side, and this was a game that had to decide the table toppers, and semi-final fixture, as both India and New Zealand were unbeaten so far. Winning the toss, Kiwis decided to put India to bat, and came out quite effectively with the ball, especially Matt Henry. India, the first time against a quality line-up in the tournament, was reduced to 30/3 with all Rohit, Virat and Gill in the pavilion. Once again, Iyer took on the rebuilding job, playing a resilient knock of 79 off 98. He was very well supported, first by Axar (42 off 61) and then by Pandya (45 off 45). Riding on all these good innings, India posted 249/9 in its 50 overs, which at that time, did look below par. Henry was the pick of the bowlers with his fifer.

In a major change, India decided to go with 4 spinners, bringing in Varun Chakravarthy in place of Harshit. This was a huge gamble, but one that did pay off in the end. New Zealand couldn’t get a good start, as first Pandya got dangerous Rachin, and then Will Young also got out at 22. Williamson took charge of the chase and looked extremely composed heading his team towards the total. but, Chakravarthy, who was playing his first ICC tournament since the disastrous 2021 T20WC, bamboozled the whole Kiwi line-up and choked Williamson for any long support from the other end. Skipper Santner tried some big hits, but they were never going to be enough, as New Zealand was bowled out at 205, handing over another comprehensive win for India.

Virat Kohli presented yet another masterclass in the crucial semi-final, steering India through a tricky run chase (Photo: BCCI)

The Semi-Final of Redemption

 

As soon as India defeated New Zealand, it was clear that it would have to face Australia in the semi-final, a fact that made me both nervous and excited. This was the first encounter in a 50-over tournament between the two teams since the tragedy of 19th November. Australia won the crucial toss and decided to at first, and it was a no-brainer that chasing would be difficult on the wicket. Australia, which was marred by the absence of all its prime pacers and the shock retirement of Marcus Stoinis, was being led by Steve Smith. Even though Shami knocked young Connolly for a duck, Aussies were off to a flying start riding on the rampage of India’s nightmare and headache, Travis Head (39 off 33). but, Chakravarthy again rose up to the occasion and removed the danger.

Skipper Steve Smith carried the whole batting with Lauschagne (29), but the Indian bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Smith got out at 76, and was quickly followed by Maxwell, reducing Australia to 205/6. but, from here, Carey held the batting and with his quickfire knock took the Aussies to a competitive 264.

India was again off to a flyer as Rohit pounded the Aussies for big hits (he also got a lifeline when he was dropped in a pattern, similar to his dismissal in the 2023 WC). Gill got out early and was quickly followed by Rohit leaving India 43/2. The wicket was tricky and Australia had a plethora of spinners in Zampa, Sangha, Connolly, Head and Maxwell, so the chase from here on, wasn’t going to be easy.

Virat knew he would have to steer the Indian batting and he displayed a vintage Chase Master knock while countering the whole spin web with effective strike rotation and strong defence. Again, he was strongly supported by Iyer (45 off 52), and the two stitched a 90-run partnership. Zampa got Iyer with a stunner, after which Axar took charge and scored a quick 27 off 30. Then came Rahul who struck some big hits, putting the whole pressure back on the Aussies. but just when the game looked set, Virat, trying for a big one, hit one straight to the fielder, and missed a well-deserved hundred. And just when the game looked a little tense (24 needed off 20), Hardik rampaged through Zampa, their best owler, striking him for two sixes and sealing the game. Eventually, Rahul (42 off 34) hit the winning six, in what was be a great redemption from the 2023 nightmare. Honestly, for me, it was a satisfying redemption, but I would not call this (nor the win in the 2024 T20WC) the real revenge. That for me, and crores of Indians is still due and the 19 November heartbreak will be there forever.

Skipper Rohit Sharma delivered a Captain’s knock right in the Finals (Photo: BCCI)

India becomes Champions again with Crunch Win against Kiwis

For the nth time, Rohit Sharma lost the toss, and again India was asked to bowl first. The Kiwis were off to a rampage, scoring 69 runs in the powerplay. Chakravarthy drew the first blood dismissing Young, and Kuldeep broke the Kiwi backbone by getting dangerous Rachin (37 off 29) and Williamson (11). Mitchell tried to carry the Kiwi batting on his shoulders with an extremely defensive knock of 63 (101). Phillips made a decent 34 (52) and was followed by strong finishing from Michael Bracewell (53 off 40), which took New Zealand to a competitive 251. Chakravarthy and Kuldeep were the pick of the bowlers, picking 2 wickets each. The latter, especially got off his knockout demon and picked the most crucial wickets, right when it mattered.

The target was not that big, and India knew it could seal the game, if it utilizes the powerplay effectively. Rohit, who despite having good starts hadn’t got a big one in the tournament, decided to own the finals. From Jamieson, and ORourke to Nathan Smith, Rohit smashed everyone out of the park and with Gill put up a strong 105-run opening partnership in 19 overs. The game looked set, but the Kiwis weren’t giving up that easily. Gill was dismissed at 31 (50) and was quickly followed by Virat (1). The pressure started building as only 15 runs were scored in some 6-7 overs. Rohit, who looked set for his 50th international ton, tried to break the shackles and got out stumped leaving India 122/3 in 26 overs.

The game could have gone either way, and Iyer was back at the rescue with his resilient 48 (62) and was well-partnered with Axar (29 off 40). As Iyer fell followed by Axar, India still needed 50-odd runs at run-a-ball. Rahul and Hardik made sure to soak in all the pressure, and steer India to the target. Hardik fell just when the target was in hand, but Jadeja ensured to take India across the line, and indeed scored the winning runs and took India home in style.

Shreyas Iyer emerged as a strong backbone for India’s middle order (Photo: BCCI)

The Significance of the Victory

Now, it’s a no-brainer that this is a humongous victory not just because India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, but because the team registered 5 comprehensive wins, at a time when Bumrah was injured and quality players like Pant and Jaiswal couldn’t even make it to the XI. It just shows the sheer amount of talent and bench strength, Team India possesses at the moment.

The best highlight for me was instead of the big stars leading the pack, it was a complete team contribution, with almost everyone playing their parts effectively. From Iyer being at the rescue in every game, Rahul playing the calm finisher, Axar emerging as a proper all-rounder and Pandya hitting those crucial sixes in crunch situations, it was a complete powerhouse. As India missed Bumrah, it made up for that with its bank of spinners.

The tournament was extremely important for the Big Two; Rohit and Virat, and their future careers. Rohit had already returned to his prime with that magnificent hundred against England just before the Champions Trophy and followed it up well with the match-winning knock in the final. Virat, emerged as the match-winner in two big games, showing why he is still the very Chase Master we have known him for years. Many speculations were rife about whether these two stalwarts (especially Rohit) would retire after the tournament and the way they refuted the reports, it is amply clear that the Big Two are eyeing the 2027 World Cup. Considering fitness, it seems easier for Virat than Rohit, but if the two legends do make up their minds, it won’t be impossible.

The tournament was very important for one more person…Gautam Gambhir. The Head Coach was facing a lot of ire, following India’s recent during in Tests, just showed that he can very well handle the top jo. Two major gambles; playing Axar at 5, and going with 4 spinners, actually sealed the fate of India. The task, however, remains incomplete, as GG still has to work on the Test side, where the real challenge actually rests. Regarding the Championships, I already said that India broke the jinx in 2024, and it will definitely win 2-3 titles in the next 5 years. It is already the hot favourite going into the 2026 T20WC at home, especially after the new berserk style, it has adopted. The 2027 WC is 2.5 years away, and I won’t make any huge prediction as of now, but as of today, India is the BEST white-all team in the world…hands down.

 

KL Rahul, adapted to the team’s needs once again, this time emerging as the calm finisher (Photo: BCCI)

 

Road to the Future

Now, there is no denying that this win is huge. but it can’t evade the fact that India’s Test team is in dire need of a transition, especially in terms of batting. Hardly was there a time, when the Indian test batting was weaker than this. For a startling fact, no Indian atter currently averages 50 in the whole line-up (Only Virat comes close, that too because of past heroics, not current form). So, there is an urgent need to reckon the batting order. Many had said right after the border Gavaskar Trophy that winning the Champions Trophy could be the worst thing for Indian Cricket, as it would hide more pressing issues. Though I don’t fully agree with the statement, I do resonate with the sentiment and again call for focusing on the red-ball team.

Heading on to the England tour, I hope the team is sent early for solid preparation and getting into the right frame of mind before facing the bazball. not only do we need Bumrah at his absolute best, but would also need other sharp pacers to step up. I would also like to see Karun Nair getting the reward of the superb domestic season he had, and Abhimanyu Easwaran finally getting a chance to feature after warming the bench for years as a reserve. The biggest question, however, would be whether Rohit will lead the side, or there will be a big call at the helm. In my opinion, it is the right time to hand over the Test reins to someone else (preferably Bumrah), as Rohit honestly, doesn’t fit in the team. I said earlier for Virat also, this series is very crucial, effectively the make or break of his future in whites. Overall, I would say, it is time we keep our focus steady, and make sure the white-all successes should not cast a shadow over the pressing red-all problems.

Some Tough Questions

Now, as I end the blog, I think it’s a good time to reflect on the fairness of the competition. Just because I am an Indian, and just because my team won, can’t hide the obvious truth that India did have an unfair advantage in the tournament as compared to other teams.

First of all, this whole structure of allowing India to play its games at a third venue, and ALL other teams travel 1500 km to play India (even the hosts ironically). The worst example was seen when Australia and South Africa both travelled to Dubai, with one returning back just like that. If one team has this level of objection to visiting a particular country, it should just opt out of the tournament, but this use of muscle and money power is just UNFAIR.

And just to put things into perspective, if BCCI is so opposed to playing with Pakistan, it should try to be in a different group. (Don’t tell me India and Pak being in the same group in every bloody tournament since 2012 is just a coincidence). Yes, I do acknowledge the security situation in Pakistan is not right, and Pakistan has no one else to blame than itself for the same. But two wrongs don’t make a right. Either India should have travelled to Pakistan just like Pakistan did in India in 2023, or it should have boycotted the tournament altogether. No middle way!

Now, I’m not implying even for one second, that had India had travelled, the results would’ve been different. (Now, it might be, it’s a game after all.) Hands down, India is the BEST white-ball team in the world currently. So, it doesn’t need all these cheap tactics to put things in its favour, it can win it all along. There is no need to do such things and give the opposition and other rivals (some extremely jealous ones) a chance to point fingers at India’s successes. Since India enjoys substantial clout even in the ICC, it’s not a big deal for it to get the tournament moulded in its favour, but while BCCI does all this, it should be mindful that it’s the greatness of India’s victory only, which is being reduced with such tactics.