Dubai: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma answered all criticism that has been directed towards him in recent days with a Player of the Match performance in India’s four-wicket win over New Zealand in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
In their chase of 252, it was Rohit who stood tall and whacked the Kiwi players all over the ground, with seven boundaries and three sixes to his name, as he raced to 76 to help India get off to a great start in the match.
The 37-year-old reflected on his unnatural aggressive approach to the game and claimed having serious depth in the batting order helps him approach the game freely.
“It is very nice. We played some good cricket through the tournament. To have the result our way is a great feeling. (Aggressive style) Not natural to me, but something I really wanted to do. When you are doing something different, you have to have the backing of the team and management. I spoke to Rahul bhai earlier and now Gauti bhai as well. It is something I really wanted to do. I have played all these years in a different style, and now we are getting the results with this.
“ We have to understand the nature of the surfaces and I was very clear about how I wanted to execute the first five-six overs. I have gotten out as well earlier, but the execution matters. The depth gives me the freedom and it helps. With Jadeja coming at 8, it gives you the confidence to go hard up front. As long as I am clear in my mind, it is great,” said Rohit in the post-match presentation.
This was India’s fourth ICC finals, in less than two years, under Rohit’s captaincy and their second victory after lifting the 2024 T20 World Cup. It is also India’s third Champions Trophy title after previously lifting the title 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013.
“I appreciate everyone who came to support us. The crowd has been amazing. Not our home ground but they made it our home ground. Very satisfying win. Right from the beginning our spinners… there was too much expectation but they never disappointed. It helped them and we used that to our advantage. We were very consistent with our bowling,” he added.
