Lost the ODI series against Sri Lanka after 27 years, faced heavy defeats in Test matches against New Zealand and Australia, yet defied all doubts when they entered the Champions Trophy 2025 looking invincible, and they played like it too.
In the group stage, India secured convincing wins against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. They then dominated Australia in the semi-final with a commanding performance.
The final punch came against New Zealand, a team that had often troubled India in crucial matches. While India’s recent ODI record against the Kiwis had improved, no one could deny how well New Zealand plays strategic cricket.
Rohit Sharma and his team chased down a target of 252 to win the final by four wickets. The chase seemed easy initially when Rohit was at the crease, but things took a tense turn after India lost three quick wickets. However, crucial partnerships, first between Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer, and later between KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya — ensured India stayed on track.
Finally, it was Ravindra Jadeja, known for delivering under pressure, who sealed the win by hitting the winning runs.
In a recently shared video on the Indian cricket team’s Instagram handle, moments from the dressing room captured the emotional rollercoaster the players experienced. Watch the video to see how Team India battled through tense moments and eventually celebrated their Champions Trophy 2025 triumph.
Champions Trophy winners list
| Year | Host(s) | Final | Winner | Result | Runners-up |
| 1998 | Bangladesh | South Africa vs West Indies | South Africa | Won by 4 wickets | West Indies |
| 2000 | Kenya | New Zealand vs India | New Zealand | Won by 4 wickets | India |
| 2002 | Sri Lanka | India vs Sri Lanka | Co-champions | India and Sri Lanka declared co-champions | — |
| 2004 | England | West Indies vs England | West Indies | Won by 2 wickets | England |
| 2006 | India | Australia vs West Indies | Australia | Won by 8 wickets (D/L method) | West Indies |
| 2009 | South Africa | Australia vs New Zealand | Australia | Won by 6 wickets | New Zealand |
| 2013 | England | India vs England | India | Won by 5 runs | England |
| 2017 | England | Pakistan vs India | Pakistan | Won by 180 runs | India |
| 2025 | Pakistan | India vs New Zealand | India | Won by 4 wickets | New Zealand |
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