India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2025 added another feather to Rohit’s cap
India made history in Dubai by winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a dramatic four-wicket victory over New Zealand. With this triumph, India became the only team to win the event three times, surpassing Australia’s two titles.
Rohit Sharma led with a captain’s knock, laying the groundwork for India’s chase of 252 and ensuring the Men in Blue secured the coveted title once again. His outstanding performance earned him Player of the Match in the final.
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Rohit is now one of only a few captains who received Player of the Match in an ICC event final. Let us take a look back at the legends he now stands alongside.
Clive Lloyd delivered a batting masterpiece in 1975 during the inaugural Cricket World Cup final. Walking in at 50 for 3, he took charge and struck an incredible 102 runs off just 85 balls. His innings, filled with powerful drives and towering sixes, turned the game on its head.
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Lloyd’s aggressive approach propelled the West Indies to 291 for 8, a formidable score in those days. Australia fought valiantly, but Lloyd’s leadership and an exceptional catch dismissal allowed the Windies to clinch the title by 17 runs.
That night at Lord’s, he did more than merely lift the World Cup; he set a benchmark for captains who lead from the front.
The 2003 World Cup final was a one-man show, with Ricky Ponting taking centre stage. The Australian captain came in with a mission and tore apart the Indian bowling attack like a hurricane.
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India was caught off guard by his impressive 140 off 121 balls, which included eight sixes. Every delivery he faced was either sent to or beyond the boundary. His innings propelled Australia to 359/2, significantly beyond India’s reach.
With the trophy in sight, ponting’s bowlers completed the task, leading Australia to a stunning 125-run victory. The performance continues to haunt Indian supporters, but Ponting regarded it as the pinnacle of captaincy.
“Cometh the hour, cometh the man”—that was MS Dhoni in the 2011 World Cup Final. India was chasing 275 against Sri Lanka, and the early wickets had the Wankhede crowd on edge. That’s when the captain chose to rise to the occasion.
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With composure etched on his face, Dhoni partnered with Gautam Gambhir and took the game deep. He finished unbeaten on 91 from 79 balls, clinching victory with a memorable six over long-on.
As the ball sailed into the Mumbai night, India’s 28-year World Cup wait ended. Dhoni’s innings perfectly illustrated how a captain should perform when it matters most.
Fast forward to the Champions Trophy 2025; history repeats itself in Dubai. Rohit Sharma, who led India to another ICC final, scored an impressive 76 off 83 balls.
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His innings provided the steadiness India needed in a challenging chase. He kept the scoreboard moving with vital boundaries and absorbed the pressure as New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip.
Rohit was rightly named Player of the Match as India crossed the finish line with six balls to spare. The Hitman solidified his place among the finest captains in ICC finals history with this performance.
