Despite the complaints about Team India playing at the same venue due to its financial influence and contributions to the ICC, there is no denying that India is the best team in the tournament; in fact, they can be considered the best team in the world.
This was clearly demonstrated today in the final when they defeated a strong Kiwi side to secure their third Champions Trophy.
Regardless of how consistent you are in bilateral series, people will remember you for winning World Cup titles, and the Champions Trophy is just as prestigious as any World Cup title in cricket.
India, which had previously faced defeats in finals, broke that jinx by winning the T20 World Cup title in the Caribbean in 2024.
Now, with this latest victory—which can be considered a Mini World Cup—it feels like icing on the cake. This could mark the beginning of a new era of success for India, which can no longer be labelled as chokers when it comes to clinching tournament finals.
The BlackCaps won the toss and decided to take strike first considering the slow nature of the Dubai wicket, the Kiwis decided to bat first and got off to a solid start, aided slightly by some sloppy fielding from the Indians who dropped a crucial catch of Rachin Ravindra.
It appeared that India was a bit nervous at the beginning, while the elegant Rachin played some outstanding shots to provide an excellent start for his team. His partner Will Young also supported him effectively by playing a secondary role until the end of eight overs.
Team India spinners disrupted the Kiwi batsmen.
As expected, the excellent spin bowling from the Indian bowlers helped them regain control of the match. After starting strong at 57 without losing a wicket, with the Blackcaps swiftly tumbling down to 75/3, with leg-spinner Varun triggering the downfall by getting Young out.
Kuldeep Yadav then quickly followed up by taking out both Rachin and former captain, Williamson in quick succession, greatly diminishing the Kiwis’ prospects of achieving a significant total. Daryl Mitchell revived a fumbling innings.
Daryl Mitchell, who has consistently posed a challenge for the Indian team by scoring numerous runs against them in the past, displayed a mix of caution and aggression to help stabilize the Kiwi innings. He received solid support from Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips, as they played some bold shots during their partnerships, offering hope for a revival for their team.
However, losing wickets at regular intervals hindered their progress.
Michael Bracewell’s appearance provided the BlackCaps with something to protect. A brilliant throw from the deep by Virat Kohli resulted in Daryl Mitchell’s run out, but Bracewell hit some powerful shots towards the end of the innings, helping to set a total of 251/7.
Despite early lapses in the field and a few mistakes during the middle overs, India maintained their pressure and prevented players like Mitchell and Bracewell from making significant contributions.
Team India’s refreshing beginning to run chase
India got off to a strong start as both Gill and Rohit appeared enthusiastic about the run chase.
As the captain Rohit immediately took charge, it was an affable to see the right-hander executing his signature strokes and disdainfully pulling against the Kiwi bowlers. At times, he danced down the wicket to send the ball into the crowd, capitalising on Matt Henry’s absence due to injury by dominating inexperienced Nathan Smith.
Team India’s ‘Hitman’ Rohit is genuinely a team player and captain; he consistently took the initiative to elevate the game and displayed urgency in providing his team with an excellent start, showing little concern for personal milestones.
This brave approach has often given India a brisk start in past matches.
Make no mistake.
At such time, New Zealand continued to strive hard. Though truth also was that Team India had scored 105 runs without losing any wickets, and the crowd was wholeheartedly supporting the team.
It appeared that the Kiwis would soon capitulate, but as we know, they are resilient fighters. They showcased that same determination under skipper Santner, who achieved a crucial breakthrough by getting Gill out.
King Kohli also fell quickly, as he was caught in front of Bracewell’s delivery. Then, when Rachin stumped Rohit after an aggressive innings of 73 runs, India suddenly found themselves in significant trouble.
Team India encompasses much more than just “ROKO”.
There is no doubt that Rohit has been the aggressor who provided us with a strong start in the tournament, while Kohli has proven to be the chase master, often leading us to victory. However, Shreyas Iyer’s contributions cannot be overlooked; whenever India found themselves in challenging situations, he was the one who rescued them with his aggressive style.
This allowed Virat to play his natural game since Iyer’s assertive approach relievedsome pressure from other Indian batsmen. In today’s final as well, he formed a solid partnership with Axar Patel, hitting some impressive shots and running hard between the wickets.
Although he received a reprieve, it did not deter him from playing freely, and his approach consistently kept India well within reach of the Kiwi total.
KL Rahul and Pandya lead Team India mesmerisingly with calculated strokeplay
What strengthens this Indian team is its depth. When Iyer and Axar were dismissed in quick succession with 49 runs still needed off 51 deliveries, many teams would have panicked.
However, India remained composed, thanks to players like Hardik Pandya, who is known for his aggressive style of play. He hit some powerful shots to alleviate the pressure. Team India’s impressive depth was evident when Hardik Pandya was out after scoring a six and a four. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja expertly led the team to victory with one over left and four wickets in hand, while keeping up the required run rate.
India demonstrated an overwhelming level of quality and depth, allowing them to finish their second consecutive ICC tournament without a loss. This could mark the beginning of a streak where India reaches the finals of every tournament with remarkable ease, thanks to their depth. Even with potential retirements on the horizon, or so one thinks, the emerging talent and numerous skilled youngsters ready to step up ensure that India will always be a favourite to win any tournament.
Match Summary:
New Zealand 251 for 7 (Mitchell 63, Bracewell 53, Kuldeep 2-40, Varun 2-45)
India 254 for 6 (Rohit 76, Iyer 48, Rahul 34*, Bracewell 2-28)
India won by 4 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)
