March 10, 2025: India has won the ICC Champions Trophy for a record third time, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final yesterday.
The final match of the ICC Champions trophy was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, hosted by Pakistan.
This victory marks India’s first ICC trophy under head coach Gautam Gambhir’s leadership. Gambhir has joined an elite list of legends who have won an ICC tournament both as a player and a head coach, alongside Rahul Dravid, Darren Lehmann, Geoff Marsh and Gary Kirsten.
In the final, New Zealand posted a total of 251/7 after electing to bat. India’s response was anchored by Rohit Sharma’s stellar innings of 76 runs off 83 balls. Crucial cameos from Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya propelled the team closer to victory, with Ravindra Jadeja ultimately sealing the win on the last ball of the 49th over. New Zealand player Rachin Ravindra was awarded the title of “player of the tournament”.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir took it to X to congratulate the Indians: