Champions Trophy 2025: India Clinch Third Title as Spinners, Rohit, and Rahul Shine

Dubai, March 9 – India’s spinners played a pivotal role, claiming five wickets on a sluggish pitch, while skipper Rohit Sharma’s commanding 76 and KL Rahul’s composed unbeaten 34 guided the Men in Blue to their third Champions Trophy title with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand.

In the final at Dubai International Stadium, New Zealand posted 251/7, anchored by contrasting half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) and Michael Bracewell (53* off 40). India’s spin trio—Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Ravindra Jadeja—kept the Kiwi batters in check.

Chasing 252, India started strongly with a 105-run opening stand between Rohit and Shubman Gill. However, New Zealand struck back with regular breakthroughs, creating tense moments. Shreyas Iyer’s 48 and Axar Patel’s 29 steadied the innings before Rahul’s calm finishing touch ensured victory with an over to spare.

This triumph marks India’s first ICC ODI title in 12 years and their second ICC trophy in 12 months after the T20 World Cup win in June 2024. With this victory, India becomes the most successful team in Champions Trophy history, securing the title in front of a stadium packed with Indian supporters.