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The Indian Cricket Team won all its matches during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">2025 Champions Trophy</a>; however, should the 2023 home ODI World Cup result be considered, India remained unbeaten till the final day, where Australia thrashed them by six wickets, making it 22 wins in 23 contested matches for them in the last three ICC tournaments. Does it remind everyone of Arsenal&rsquo;s famous &lsquo;invincible&rsquo; season (2003/04)?
Although there are different levels to this comparison, as Arsenal achieved this feat in one season, remaining unbeaten across 38 Premier League matches, Team India&rsquo;s unbeaten run across two events in two years and as many formats put them on a pedestal in this sport.
No team looked like beating India in the first showpiece event of the year. Even a few heavyweights like Australia, New Zealand and the host Pakistan came closer to taking advantage, but all failed, with the Kiwis failing to do it twice, once in the group stage and then in the summit clash.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/a-hug-and-stump-dandiya-watch-how-rohit-and-virat-celebrated-indias-champions-trophy-win-8838861" rel="dofollow">'A hug and stump-dandiya': WATCH | How Rohit and Virat celebrated India's Champions Trophy win</a>
From top to bottom, this Indian Team had match winners in the playing XI that lived up to over a billion expectations during the eight-team tournament.&nbsp;
<h2>Match winners</h2>
While seamer Mohammed Shami and the vice-captain Shubman Gill made headlines for their star performances in India&rsquo;s curtain raiser against Bangladesh, ace batter Virat Kohli roared back to form against perhaps his favourite opponent Pakistan, scoring his 51st ODI hundred in the run chase.
Against New Zealand in India&rsquo;s last league game, mystery spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/varun-chakaravarthy" rel="dofollow">Varun Chakaravarthy</a> returned with five wickets in only his second ODI, becoming the quickest from his country to achieve this.
India topped Group A after winning all three matches; besides, due to CT scheduling that saw India play all its matches in Dubai, including the semis, on a fixed date, they played Australia in the first semi-final. Despite Australia missing six of their first-team players, they put up a fight but failed to prevail in the end, losing the knockout game by four wickets.
India reached the final of another ICC event, their fourth in the past three years - all under captain Rohit Sharma. The Indian skipper was the only one left on the team sheet who didn&rsquo;t leave an impression yet, and he quashed any concerns around it when it mattered the most.&nbsp;
Against New Zealand in the final, Rohit hit his first fifty of this tournament, also his maiden one in 11 ICC finals he played to date. The right-hander scored a whopping 76 on a dicey Dubai pitch, putting India in the driver&rsquo;s seat early on, as they completed the chase with six balls and four wickets remaining.
Besides him, Kuldeep Yadav was another name who didn&rsquo;t make enough noise with his performances this time; he emerged onto the scene in the grand final. His first spell broke New Zealand&rsquo;s back, removing Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson.&nbsp;
<h3>The underrated ones!</h3>
Outside of those mentioned above, the remaining players that deserve all recognition are the three all-rounders &ndash; Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, alongside India&rsquo;s highest run-scorer Shreyas Iyer.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/from-missing-out-in-2017-to-2023-heartbreak-indian-players-reflect-on-champions-trophy-2025-win-8838563" rel="dofollow">From missing out in CT 2017 to 2023 ODI WC heartbreak: Indian players reflect on Champions Trophy 2025 win</a>
Iyer&rsquo;s contribution was as good as Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira&rsquo;s during their Invincible season. Though those at the forefront garnered more attention, both were like backbones for their respective teams during their runs.&nbsp;
Iyer played handy roles in all matches, stitching partnerships in some alongside Kohli and sometimes with Patel, helping India come out of the mud every time.&nbsp;
On the other hand, Axar Patel was perhaps the unsung hero of India&rsquo;s CT triumph campaign. Nowhere found on the runs or wickets tally sheets, his contribution with both bat and ball had India&rsquo;s nose in front every time. Even in the finale, he absorbed pressure (like none other), bailing India out after three quick wickets.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Jadeja and Pandya were, as always, the most vital cogs in the wheel of this white-ball side. Delivering every time and on every occasion, including in the final, both helped India remain unbeaten in this competition.
<h3>KL, the superstar!</h3>
Last but not least, KL Rahul.&nbsp;
India's gloveman was like a man of steel during the tournament. Mostly going unnoticed due to everyone&rsquo;s heroics around him, KL held nerves to help India cross the winning line; so much so that even Rohit called him a solid player with an unbelievable temperament.&nbsp;
Even with Axar playing ahead of him, KL had his role clear and executed accordingly in all matches, getting out in just one game. Owing to that, he averaged a whopping 140 in five matches, walking out as a perfect match-winner of the team.&nbsp;

Sports, Cricket: While football fans had the honour of watching Arsenal stay unbeaten in one PL season, cricket fans had theirs of watching India doing the same.

The Indian Cricket Team won all its matches during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas and the 2025 Champions Trophy; however, should the 2023 home ODI World Cup result be considered, India remained unbeaten till the final day, where Australia thrashed them by six wickets, making it 22 wins in 23 contested matches for them in the last three ICC tournaments. Does it remind everyone of Arsenal’s famous ‘invincible’ season (2003/04)? Although there are different levels to this comparison, as Arsenal achieved this feat in one season, remaining unbeaten across 38 Premier League matches, Team India’s unbeaten run across two events in two years and as many formats put them on a pedestal in this sport. No team looked like beating India in the first showpiece event of the year. Even a few heavyweights like Australia, New Zealand and the host Pakistan came closer to taking advantage, but all failed, with the Kiwis failing to do it twice, once in the group stage and then in the summit clash. Also read | 'A hug and stump-dandiya': WATCH | How Rohit and Virat celebrated India's Champions Trophy win From top to bottom, this Indian Team had match winners in the playing XI that lived up to over a billion expectations during the eight-team tournament. Match winners While seamer Mohammed Shami and the vice-captain Shubman Gill made headlines for their star performances in India’s curtain raiser against Bangladesh, ace batter Virat Kohli roared back to form against perhaps his favourite opponent Pakistan, scoring his 51st ODI hundred in the run chase. Against New Zealand in India’s last league game, mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy returned with five wickets in only his second ODI, becoming the quickest from his country to achieve this. India topped Group A after winning all three matches; besides, due to CT scheduling that saw India play all its matches in Dubai, including the semis, on a fixed date, they played Australia in the first semi-final. Despite Australia missing six of their first-team players, they put up a fight but failed to prevail in the end, losing the knockout game by four wickets. India reached the final of another ICC event, their fourth in the past three years - all under captain Rohit Sharma. The Indian skipper was the only one left on the team sheet who didn’t leave an impression yet, and he quashed any concerns around it when it mattered the most. Against New Zealand in the final, Rohit hit his first fifty of this tournament, also his maiden one in 11 ICC finals he played to date. The right-hander scored a whopping 76 on a dicey Dubai pitch, putting India in the driver’s seat early on, as they completed the chase with six balls and four wickets remaining. Besides him, Kuldeep Yadav was another name who didn’t make enough noise with his performances this time; he emerged onto the scene in the grand final. His first spell broke New Zealand’s back, removing Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. The underrated ones! Outside of those mentioned above, the remaining players that deserve all recognition are the three all-rounders – Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, alongside India’s highest run-scorer Shreyas Iyer. Also read | From missing out in CT 2017 to 2023 ODI WC heartbreak: Indian players reflect on Champions Trophy 2025 win Iyer’s contribution was as good as Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira’s during their Invincible season. Though those at the forefront garnered more attention, both were like backbones for their respective teams during their runs. Iyer played handy roles in all matches, stitching partnerships in some alongside Kohli and sometimes with Patel, helping India come out of the mud every time. On the other hand, Axar Patel was perhaps the unsung hero of India’s CT triumph campaign. Nowhere found on the runs or wickets tally sheets, his contribution with both bat and ball had India’s nose in front every time. Even in the finale, he absorbed pressure (like none other), bailing India out after three quick wickets. Meanwhile, Jadeja and Pandya were, as always, the most vital cogs in the wheel of this white-ball side. Delivering every time and on every occasion, including in the final, both helped India remain unbeaten in this competition. KL, the superstar! Last but not least, KL Rahul. India's gloveman was like a man of steel during the tournament. Mostly going unnoticed due to everyone’s heroics around him, KL held nerves to help India cross the winning line; so much so that even Rohit called him a solid player with an unbelievable temperament. Even with Axar playing ahead of him, KL had his role clear and executed accordingly in all matches, getting out in just one game. Owing to that, he averaged a whopping 140 in five matches, walking out as a perfect match-winner of the team.

How Rohit's Indian Team became almost ‘Invincible like Arsenal of 03/04' in Champions Trophy triumph

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma won their fourth ICC silverware each as India beat New Zealand for its third Champions Trophy title on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai, UAE. Virat and Rohit now have the most ICC titles for India, going past MS Dhoni who had three titles to his name.
Virat, before the Champions Trophy 2025, had won 2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup 2024. Rohit, on the other hand, had won 2007 T20 World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup 2024 before winning the Champions Trophy 2025.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-win-champions-trophy-76-and-potm-rohit-kohli-step-up-in-final-as-india-win-consecutive-icc-titles-after-2023-odi-wc-heartbreak-8838021">'76 and POTM': Rohit-Kohli step up in final as India win consecutive ICC titles after 2023 ODI WC heartbreak</a>
MS Dhoni, the most successful India skipper, had won 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. He's still the only skipper to win all three ICC title in white-ball format.
After the heartbreak of 2023 ODI World Cup Final loss against Australia at home - India have now won two back-to-back ICC titles with their most senior players stepping up in the crunch final game.
With the win, India now are the only team in the world cricket history to have won at least two titles in each of the white-ball tournaments - T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy.
They won the ODI World Cups in 1983 (Kapil Dev) and 2011 (MS Dhoni), T20 World Cup in 2007 (MS Dhoni) and 2024 (Rohit Sharma) and Champions Trophy in 2002 (Shared under Sourav Ganguly), 2013 (MS Dhoni) and 2025 (Rohit Sharma).
No other team except Australia has more than three ICC titles. The Kangaroos have won the ODI World Cup in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2023 plus T20 World Cup in 2021 and Champions Trophy in 2006 &amp; 2009.
As for the Champions Trophy, this is the third time India have won this ICC title. They had previously shared it with Sri Lanka in 2002 under Sourav Ganguly and won it in 2013 under Dhoni.

MS Dhoni, the most successful India skipper, had won 2007 T20 WC, 2011 ODI WC and 2013 Champions Trophy. He's still the only skipper to win all three ICC title in white-ball format. Cricket Sports

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma won their fourth ICC silverware each as India beat New Zealand for its third Champions Trophy title on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai, UAE. Virat and Rohit now have the most ICC titles for India, going past MS Dhoni who had three titles to his name. Virat, before the Champions Trophy 2025, had won 2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup 2024. Rohit, on the other hand, had won 2007 T20 World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup 2024 before winning the Champions Trophy 2025. Also Read: '76 and POTM': Rohit-Kohli step up in final as India win consecutive ICC titles after 2023 ODI WC heartbreak MS Dhoni, the most successful India skipper, had won 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. He's still the only skipper to win all three ICC title in white-ball format. After the heartbreak of 2023 ODI World Cup Final loss against Australia at home - India have now won two back-to-back ICC titles with their most senior players stepping up in the crunch final game. With the win, India now are the only team in the world cricket history to have won at least two titles in each of the white-ball tournaments - T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy. They won the ODI World Cups in 1983 (Kapil Dev) and 2011 (MS Dhoni), T20 World Cup in 2007 (MS Dhoni) and 2024 (Rohit Sharma) and Champions Trophy in 2002 (Shared under Sourav Ganguly), 2013 (MS Dhoni) and 2025 (Rohit Sharma). No other team except Australia has more than three ICC titles. The Kangaroos have won the ODI World Cup in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2023 plus T20 World Cup in 2021 and Champions Trophy in 2006 & 2009. As for the Champions Trophy, this is the third time India have won this ICC title. They had previously shared it with Sri Lanka in 2002 under Sourav Ganguly and won it in 2013 under Dhoni.

Rohit, Kohli surpass MS Dhoni for most ICC titles by an Indian with Champions Trophy 2025 win

New Zealand&rsquo;s national cricket team, fondly known as the BlackCaps, has consistently been a formidable force in international cricket. Their journey has been marked by resilience, skill, and determination. However, when it comes to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc">ICC</a> tournament finals, heartbreak has followed them time and again. Despite their excellence, luck and circumstances have often conspired against them, leaving the Kiwis with a string of painful losses in their quest for a major ICC trophy.
<h2>The trail of defeats in finals</h2>
<h3>2009 Champions Trophy final: A 6-wicket loss</h3>
New Zealand&rsquo;s first major heartbreak in an ICC final came in the 2009 ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> against Australia. Batting first, the BlackCaps could only manage 200 runs on the board, a modest total that never seemed enough against a powerful Australian side. Despite a spirited bowling effort, the target was comfortably chased down, and New Zealand lost by six wickets. This was the beginning of their finals' curse.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2025-orange-cap-red-hot-form-ellyse-perrys-love-affair-with-chinnaswamy-stadium-8838802">WPL 2025 | Orange cap, red hot form: Ellyse Perry's love affair with Chinnaswamy stadium</a>
<h3>2015 ODI World Cup final: Overpowered by Australia</h3>
After a dream run in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, New Zealand faced their trans-Tasman rivals, Australia, in the final at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/melbourne-cricket-ground">Melbourne Cricket Ground</a>. Their hopes were high, but Australia&rsquo;s experience and ruthless execution proved too strong. The Kiwis were dismissed for just 183 runs, and Australia chased down the target with ease, winning by seven wickets. It was a tough pill to swallow for a team that had captured the imagination of fans with their fearless brand of cricket.
<h3>2019 ODI World Cup final: The agonising super over</h3>
If any final loss hurt the most, it was this one. In what is regarded as one of the greatest cricket matches ever played, New Zealand faced England in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final at Lord&rsquo;s. After both teams ended with identical scores of 241, the game went into a dramatic Super Over. Even there, the scores were tied at 15 runs apiece, but England got declared winners on the controversial boundary count rule. It was an excruciatingly painful way to lose, and the world sympathised with the BlackCaps, who had given it their all.
<h3>2021 T20 World Cup final: Another tough night</h3>
New Zealand had another shot at ICC glory when they reached the final of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup against Australia. After posting 172/4, a competitive total, their hopes were shattered as Australia chased it down comfortably, winning by eight wickets. Another final, another loss&mdash;this time in the shortest format of the game.
<h3>2025 Champions Trophy final: Another close loss</h3>
The trend continued in 2025 when New Zealand made it to yet another ICC final in the Champions Trophy. Facing a tough opponent in India, the Kiwis put up a fight but were once again denied glory, losing by four wickets. Despite reaching another final, they couldn&rsquo;t break their unfortunate streak of losses.
<h2>The unbreakable spirit of Kiwis</h2>
While these repeated losses in ICC finals have been painful, they do not define New Zealand cricket. The BlackCaps have been a symbol of sportsmanship, consistency, and excellence. Their ability to fight through challenges and consistently reach the final stages of major tournaments speaks volumes about their quality as a cricketing nation.
Fans around the world respect New Zealand for their resilience and the way they play the game. Though they have suffered heartbreak, it is only a matter of time before the BlackCaps will finally lift an ICC trophy in a major event and end their streak of near-misses.&nbsp;
Until then, their journey remains one of the most inspiring stories in world cricket&mdash;a tale of persistence, heartbreak, and an undying will to keep coming back stronger.

Cricket, Sports: When it comes to ICC finals, heartbreak has followed the Kiwis time and again. Despite their excellence, luck and circumstances have often conspired against them

New Zealand’s national cricket team, fondly known as the BlackCaps, has consistently been a formidable force in international cricket. Their journey has been marked by resilience, skill, and determination. However, when it comes to ICC tournament finals, heartbreak has followed them time and again. Despite their excellence, luck and circumstances have often conspired against them, leaving the Kiwis with a string of painful losses in their quest for a major ICC trophy. The trail of defeats in finals 2009 Champions Trophy final: A 6-wicket loss New Zealand’s first major heartbreak in an ICC final came in the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy against Australia. Batting first, the BlackCaps could only manage 200 runs on the board, a modest total that never seemed enough against a powerful Australian side. Despite a spirited bowling effort, the target was comfortably chased down, and New Zealand lost by six wickets. This was the beginning of their finals' curse. Also Read: WPL 2025 | Orange cap, red hot form: Ellyse Perry's love affair with Chinnaswamy stadium 2015 ODI World Cup final: Overpowered by Australia After a dream run in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, New Zealand faced their trans-Tasman rivals, Australia, in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Their hopes were high, but Australia’s experience and ruthless execution proved too strong. The Kiwis were dismissed for just 183 runs, and Australia chased down the target with ease, winning by seven wickets. It was a tough pill to swallow for a team that had captured the imagination of fans with their fearless brand of cricket. 2019 ODI World Cup final: The agonising super over If any final loss hurt the most, it was this one. In what is regarded as one of the greatest cricket matches ever played, New Zealand faced England in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s. After both teams ended with identical scores of 241, the game went into a dramatic Super Over. Even there, the scores were tied at 15 runs apiece, but England got declared winners on the controversial boundary count rule. It was an excruciatingly painful way to lose, and the world sympathised with the BlackCaps, who had given it their all. 2021 T20 World Cup final: Another tough night New Zealand had another shot at ICC glory when they reached the final of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup against Australia. After posting 172/4, a competitive total, their hopes were shattered as Australia chased it down comfortably, winning by eight wickets. Another final, another loss—this time in the shortest format of the game. 2025 Champions Trophy final: Another close loss The trend continued in 2025 when New Zealand made it to yet another ICC final in the Champions Trophy. Facing a tough opponent in India, the Kiwis put up a fight but were once again denied glory, losing by four wickets. Despite reaching another final, they couldn’t break their unfortunate streak of losses. The unbreakable spirit of Kiwis While these repeated losses in ICC finals have been painful, they do not define New Zealand cricket. The BlackCaps have been a symbol of sportsmanship, consistency, and excellence. Their ability to fight through challenges and consistently reach the final stages of major tournaments speaks volumes about their quality as a cricketing nation. Fans around the world respect New Zealand for their resilience and the way they play the game. Though they have suffered heartbreak, it is only a matter of time before the BlackCaps will finally lift an ICC trophy in a major event and end their streak of near-misses. Until then, their journey remains one of the most inspiring stories in world cricket—a tale of persistence, heartbreak, and an undying will to keep coming back stronger.

New Zealand’s ICC final heartbreaks: The unfinished journey of BlackCaps

With striking beauty, effortless grace, and an aura of quiet dominance, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ellyse-perry">Ellyse Perry</a> is more than just a cricketing icon&mdash;she&rsquo;s a revolution in motion. The Australian all-rounder, a blend of sophistication and sheer power, has taken the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women&rsquo;s Premier League</a> (WPL) by storm, leading the Orange Cap race with 323 runs in seven innings. Whether she&rsquo;s driving through covers with elegance or steaming in with the ball, Perry makes the game look effortlessly poetic.
Perry&nbsp;reflected on her incredible career, the explosive growth of women&rsquo;s cricket, and the electric atmosphere at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chinnaswamy-stadium">M Chinnaswamy Stadium</a>&mdash;now a fortress for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) women&rsquo;s team on the&nbsp;RCB Bold and Beyond podcast.
Perry&rsquo;s love affair with Chinnaswamy began long before she wore RCB&rsquo;s red and gold. &ldquo;We went to the first-ever IPL match where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/brendon-mccullum">Brendan McCullum</a> smashed around 150 runs for KKR. I remember thinking that was the most insane thing ever. Now, to be on the same field, with a packed stadium so loud that we can&rsquo;t even communicate&mdash;it&rsquo;s incredible,&rdquo; she recalls. From being a wide-eyed fan in the stands to having thousands of voices chanting her name in the same venue, Perry&rsquo;s journey has come full circle.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2025-benched-but-not-broken-how-parunika-manifested-her-return-8838566">Exclusive-WPL 2025 | Benched, but not broken! How Parunika manifested her return</a>
Having made her international debut for Australia at just 17, Perry&rsquo;s career has spanned nearly two decades, something few players achieve at the highest level. The secret to her sustained excellence?&nbsp;Never stopping the learning process. &ldquo;I think the ability to keep learning has been my biggest motivation. Every year, the game gets a little bigger, a little better, and that constant evolution keeps me going. The challenge of improving never gets old,&rdquo; she shared.
Her insights into the mindset of young cricketers are fascinating. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s funny. When you&rsquo;re just starting, everything is so new that you don&rsquo;t even have time to overthink. You see young players come in, and it looks so easy for them because they have no expectations, no past experiences to draw from. They play with pure freedom,&rdquo; she said, reminiscing about her early days in the sport.
<h2 data-start="2174" data-end="2573">'Women can now have full-time careers in cricket'</h2>
Perry has been a front-row witness to the transformation of women&rsquo;s cricket. &ldquo;When I first started, hardly any of our matches were televised. Maybe one or two a year, and they were just warm-ups for men&rsquo;s games. The media narratives were always the same&mdash;questions about pay gaps, lack of attention, and limited opportunities. It felt like women&rsquo;s cricket was always positioned as an afterthought.&rdquo;
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically. &ldquo;Now, every single match is covered. We have 30,000 people in the stadium every night. Women can now have full-time careers in cricket&mdash;not just as players, but as coaches, administrators, executives. It&rsquo;s incredible to see.&rdquo;
Since the inception of the WPL, Perry has naturally taken on a leadership role at RCB, guiding the team&rsquo;s young stars and embracing the ever-growing competition. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been amazing to see the domestic talent coming through. Meeting young players&mdash;whether at RCB or other franchises&mdash;just shows how big this opportunity is for them.&rdquo; The rapid improvement in standards has also caught her eye. &ldquo;Every season, I see more young girls coming through, and it&rsquo;s honestly a bit scary! Every year I return, there are new faces pushing the level even higher. The quality of cricket is rising faster than ever.&rdquo;
With her signature elegance and commanding presence, Ellyse Perry is shaping the future of the sport. Whether she&rsquo;s charging in with the ball, or standing under the bright lights of Chinnaswamy as thousands chant her name, Perry remains the epitome of class, power, and cricketing excellence.

Sports, Cricket: From being a wide-eyed fan in the stands to having thousands of voices chanting her name in the same venue, Ellyse Perry’s journey has come full circle

With striking beauty, effortless grace, and an aura of quiet dominance, Ellyse Perry is more than just a cricketing icon—she’s a revolution in motion. The Australian all-rounder, a blend of sophistication and sheer power, has taken the Women’s Premier League (WPL) by storm, leading the Orange Cap race with 323 runs in seven innings. Whether she’s driving through covers with elegance or steaming in with the ball, Perry makes the game look effortlessly poetic. Perry reflected on her incredible career, the explosive growth of women’s cricket, and the electric atmosphere at M Chinnaswamy Stadium—now a fortress for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) women’s team on the RCB Bold and Beyond podcast. Perry’s love affair with Chinnaswamy began long before she wore RCB’s red and gold. “We went to the first-ever IPL match where Brendan McCullum smashed around 150 runs for KKR. I remember thinking that was the most insane thing ever. Now, to be on the same field, with a packed stadium so loud that we can’t even communicate—it’s incredible,” she recalls. From being a wide-eyed fan in the stands to having thousands of voices chanting her name in the same venue, Perry’s journey has come full circle. Also Read: Exclusive-WPL 2025 | Benched, but not broken! How Parunika manifested her return Having made her international debut for Australia at just 17, Perry’s career has spanned nearly two decades, something few players achieve at the highest level. The secret to her sustained excellence? Never stopping the learning process. “I think the ability to keep learning has been my biggest motivation. Every year, the game gets a little bigger, a little better, and that constant evolution keeps me going. The challenge of improving never gets old,” she shared. Her insights into the mindset of young cricketers are fascinating. “It’s funny. When you’re just starting, everything is so new that you don’t even have time to overthink. You see young players come in, and it looks so easy for them because they have no expectations, no past experiences to draw from. They play with pure freedom,” she said, reminiscing about her early days in the sport. 'Women can now have full-time careers in cricket' Perry has been a front-row witness to the transformation of women’s cricket. “When I first started, hardly any of our matches were televised. Maybe one or two a year, and they were just warm-ups for men’s games. The media narratives were always the same—questions about pay gaps, lack of attention, and limited opportunities. It felt like women’s cricket was always positioned as an afterthought.” Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically. “Now, every single match is covered. We have 30,000 people in the stadium every night. Women can now have full-time careers in cricket—not just as players, but as coaches, administrators, executives. It’s incredible to see.” Since the inception of the WPL, Perry has naturally taken on a leadership role at RCB, guiding the team’s young stars and embracing the ever-growing competition. “It’s been amazing to see the domestic talent coming through. Meeting young players—whether at RCB or other franchises—just shows how big this opportunity is for them.” The rapid improvement in standards has also caught her eye. “Every season, I see more young girls coming through, and it’s honestly a bit scary! Every year I return, there are new faces pushing the level even higher. The quality of cricket is rising faster than ever.” With her signature elegance and commanding presence, Ellyse Perry is shaping the future of the sport. Whether she’s charging in with the ball, or standing under the bright lights of Chinnaswamy as thousands chant her name, Perry remains the epitome of class, power, and cricketing excellence.

WPL 2025 | Orange cap, red hot form: Ellyse Perry's love affair with Chinnaswamy stadium

India's senior duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were seen celebrating the Champions Trophy 2025 title win with a hug and 'dandiya' moves on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai. This was India's second consecutive ICC title, having won T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies.
As soon as Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning four on the last ball of the penultimate over, the celebrations broke in the dressing room with Rohit and Kohli sharing a big hug. Have a look at the video below:
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Rohit hit a 'leading from front' 76 in Dubai on Sunday (Mar 9) against New Zealand and gave India a platform to chase down 252 with one over to spare.
He was chosen the player of the match for his performance.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/from-missing-out-in-2017-to-2023-heartbreak-indian-players-reflect-on-champions-trophy-2025-win-8838563">From missing out in CT 2017 to 2023 ODI WC heartbreak: Indian players reflect on Champions Trophy 2025 win</a>
In T20 WC Final on June 29, 2024, it was Kohli who scored 76 against South Africa and gave India a total of 176, which proved enough in the end. Kohli was also adjudged POTM for his performance.&nbsp;
While the 'Ro-Ko', as the duo is called, announced their retirement from the T20Is after last year's World Cup win, Rohit announced on Sunday that 'nobody is retiring' from the ODI format.
With the win, India now are the only team in world cricket history to have won at least two titles in each of the white-ball tournaments - T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy.
They won the ODI World Cups in 1983 (Kapil Dev) and 2011 (MS Dhoni), T20 World Cup in 2007 (MS Dhoni) and 2024 (Rohit Sharma) and Champions Trophy in 2002 (Shared under Sourav Ganguly), 2013 (MS Dhoni) and 2025 (Rohit Sharma).
No other team except Australia has more than three ICC titles. The Kangaroos have won the ODI World Cup in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2023 plus T20 World Cup in 2021 and Champions Trophy in 2006 and 2009.

As soon as Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning four on the last ball of the penultimate over, the celebrations broke in the dressing room with Rohit and Kohli sharing a big hug. Cricket Sports

India's senior duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were seen celebrating the Champions Trophy 2025 title win with a hug and 'dandiya' moves on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai. This was India's second consecutive ICC title, having won T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies. As soon as Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning four on the last ball of the penultimate over, the celebrations broke in the dressing room with Rohit and Kohli sharing a big hug. Have a look at the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam) Rohit hit a 'leading from front' 76 in Dubai on Sunday (Mar 9) against New Zealand and gave India a platform to chase down 252 with one over to spare. He was chosen the player of the match for his performance. Also Read: From missing out in CT 2017 to 2023 ODI WC heartbreak: Indian players reflect on Champions Trophy 2025 win In T20 WC Final on June 29, 2024, it was Kohli who scored 76 against South Africa and gave India a total of 176, which proved enough in the end. Kohli was also adjudged POTM for his performance. While the 'Ro-Ko', as the duo is called, announced their retirement from the T20Is after last year's World Cup win, Rohit announced on Sunday that 'nobody is retiring' from the ODI format. With the win, India now are the only team in world cricket history to have won at least two titles in each of the white-ball tournaments - T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy. They won the ODI World Cups in 1983 (Kapil Dev) and 2011 (MS Dhoni), T20 World Cup in 2007 (MS Dhoni) and 2024 (Rohit Sharma) and Champions Trophy in 2002 (Shared under Sourav Ganguly), 2013 (MS Dhoni) and 2025 (Rohit Sharma). No other team except Australia has more than three ICC titles. The Kangaroos have won the ODI World Cup in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2023 plus T20 World Cup in 2021 and Champions Trophy in 2006 and 2009.

'A hug and stump-dandiya': WATCH | How Rohit and Virat celebrated India's Champions Trophy win

Parunika Sisodia stands tall with a confident appearance, her expressive eyes reflecting the ambition and drive that have defined her journey. A fierce competitor on the field, she carries a quiet determination, an energy that fuels her every move. From the moment she picked up the ball, cricket became more than a game; it became her calling.
Having been a part of India's victorious U19 Women&rsquo;s World Cup squad, Parunika now finds herself navigating the complexities of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women&rsquo;s Premier League</a> (WPL), a stage that demands adaptability, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one&rsquo;s abilities. &ldquo;To be honest, U19 World Cup and the WPL are two very different stages,&rdquo; she shares with a smile. &ldquo;The experience and the level of players here are way ahead. U19 is still a growing stage, but it helped me gain that confidence that I can perform under pressure.&rdquo;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-harry-brook-opts-out-for-second-successive-season-faces-possible-two-year-ban-8838405">IPL 2025: Harry Brook opts out for second successive season, faces possible two-year ban</a>
The transition from youth cricket to a professional league like WPL can be daunting. For Parunika, it was a moment of realisation&mdash;this was no longer just about potential; it was about professionalism, discipline, and proving herself on a global stage. &ldquo;Being in the WPL has taught me that this isn&rsquo;t U19 anymore. You have to be strict with yourself, be professional, and always know why you did something.&rdquo;
Her journey with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians">Mumbai Indians</a> (MI) began with an unexpected twist. After being part of the inaugural WPL season with Gujarat Giants, she was released. That moment of setback became her biggest motivation. &ldquo;It was my dream to be back in the WPL. I was with GG in the first season, but then I was dropped. That&rsquo;s when I told myself&mdash;I will come back as a better player,&rdquo; she recalls. &ldquo;The date MI announced my name as a replacement for Pooja was exactly one year after I had made that promise to myself.&rdquo;
Walking into the MI camp, she was met with warmth and guidance, particularly from head coach Charlotte Edwards. &ldquo;Charlotte ma&rsquo;am was very welcoming. The first day, she told me, &lsquo;No matter what, you are here, and we trust you. We&rsquo;ll clear your roles day by day. Just enjoy the game and be yourself.&rsquo; That gave me the confidence to feel at home.&rdquo;
<h2>'I talk to Amelia more than anyone else'</h2>
Having cricketing stalwarts around her has been another advantage. Sharing the dressing room with players like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/harmanpreet-kaur">Harmanpreet Kaur</a>, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Hayley Matthews has been an invaluable learning experience. &ldquo;Harman looks like she&rsquo;s very strict on the field, but for me, she is the most calm person out there. She&rsquo;s fun, but if you don&rsquo;t do what&rsquo;s expected of you, you will see a different side of her,&rdquo; she laughs.
One of her closest mentors has been New Zealand's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/amelia-kerr">Amelia Kerr</a>, the ICC Cricketer of the Year. &ldquo;I talk to Amelia more than anyone else. She&rsquo;s guided me on where to bowl, how to set my field, and most importantly, to trust my own abilities.&rdquo;
Parunika&rsquo;s first wicket in the WPL was a defining moment. &ldquo;Before that ball, I had bowled a wide, and UP Warriorz even took a review. Then Harmanpreet just gave me a look, signaling where to bowl. I followed it, and I got my first wicket. I just looked at her and smiled. Getting your first WPL wicket is special, and that moment gave me so much confidence.&rdquo;
Her aspirations for the season are simple yet ambitious. &ldquo;I just want to learn as much as I can and contribute to my team&rsquo;s success. The experience matters the most, and I want to make the most of it. Hopefully, I willl come back the next season and deliver what everyone expects from me," she signed off with a smile.
Parunika&rsquo;s story is one of an unrelenting drive to prove herself. She is no longer just an aspiring cricketer; she is a player who belongs on this stage, ready to pave out her legacy in the world of women&rsquo;s cricket.

Sports, Cricket: Having been a part of India's victorious U19 Women’s World Cup squad, Parunika now finds herself navigating the complexities of the Women’s Premier League

Parunika Sisodia stands tall with a confident appearance, her expressive eyes reflecting the ambition and drive that have defined her journey. A fierce competitor on the field, she carries a quiet determination, an energy that fuels her every move. From the moment she picked up the ball, cricket became more than a game; it became her calling. Having been a part of India's victorious U19 Women’s World Cup squad, Parunika now finds herself navigating the complexities of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a stage that demands adaptability, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one’s abilities. “To be honest, U19 World Cup and the WPL are two very different stages,” she shares with a smile. “The experience and the level of players here are way ahead. U19 is still a growing stage, but it helped me gain that confidence that I can perform under pressure.” Also Read: IPL 2025: Harry Brook opts out for second successive season, faces possible two-year ban The transition from youth cricket to a professional league like WPL can be daunting. For Parunika, it was a moment of realisation—this was no longer just about potential; it was about professionalism, discipline, and proving herself on a global stage. “Being in the WPL has taught me that this isn’t U19 anymore. You have to be strict with yourself, be professional, and always know why you did something.” Her journey with Mumbai Indians (MI) began with an unexpected twist. After being part of the inaugural WPL season with Gujarat Giants, she was released. That moment of setback became her biggest motivation. “It was my dream to be back in the WPL. I was with GG in the first season, but then I was dropped. That’s when I told myself—I will come back as a better player,” she recalls. “The date MI announced my name as a replacement for Pooja was exactly one year after I had made that promise to myself.” Walking into the MI camp, she was met with warmth and guidance, particularly from head coach Charlotte Edwards. “Charlotte ma’am was very welcoming. The first day, she told me, ‘No matter what, you are here, and we trust you. We’ll clear your roles day by day. Just enjoy the game and be yourself.’ That gave me the confidence to feel at home.” 'I talk to Amelia more than anyone else' Having cricketing stalwarts around her has been another advantage. Sharing the dressing room with players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Hayley Matthews has been an invaluable learning experience. “Harman looks like she’s very strict on the field, but for me, she is the most calm person out there. She’s fun, but if you don’t do what’s expected of you, you will see a different side of her,” she laughs. One of her closest mentors has been New Zealand's Amelia Kerr, the ICC Cricketer of the Year. “I talk to Amelia more than anyone else. She’s guided me on where to bowl, how to set my field, and most importantly, to trust my own abilities.” Parunika’s first wicket in the WPL was a defining moment. “Before that ball, I had bowled a wide, and UP Warriorz even took a review. Then Harmanpreet just gave me a look, signaling where to bowl. I followed it, and I got my first wicket. I just looked at her and smiled. Getting your first WPL wicket is special, and that moment gave me so much confidence.” Her aspirations for the season are simple yet ambitious. “I just want to learn as much as I can and contribute to my team’s success. The experience matters the most, and I want to make the most of it. Hopefully, I willl come back the next season and deliver what everyone expects from me," she signed off with a smile. Parunika’s story is one of an unrelenting drive to prove herself. She is no longer just an aspiring cricketer; she is a player who belongs on this stage, ready to pave out her legacy in the world of women’s cricket.

Exclusive-WPL 2025 | Benched, but not broken! How Parunika manifested her return

India won the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai after beating New Zealand by four wickets with one over to spare. Chasing 252, skipper Rohit Sharma led the charge with 76 after spinners entrapped the Kiwis on a dry sub-continent pitch.
This is the third time India have won the Champions Trophy title. They had previously shared it with Sri Lanka in 2002 under Sourav Ganguly and won it in 2013 under MS Dhoni.
With the win, India now are the only team in world cricket history to have won at least two titles in each of the white-ball tournaments - T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy. Here's how the players reacted after the win:
Hardik Pandya: Always amazing to win an ICC event. I remember 2017 very closely, couldn't finish that time. Very pleased to have done it here. KL was calm, he took his chances at the right time. He has immense talent, no one can time it as well as him.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/it-is-hosted-by-us-shoaib-akhtar-hits-out-pcb-for-missing-out-presentation-ceremony-after-champions-trophy-final-8838283">'It is hosted by us': Shoaib Akhtar hits out PCB for missing out presentation ceremony after Champions Trophy final</a>
Varun Chakaravarthy: It was a sudden inclusion and I didn't expect it to turn out like this. It's a dream come true. We had to stick to our lengths.
Shreyas Iyer: Feeling ecstatic. This is my first ICC trophy, kinda overwhelmed looking at each and everyone in the dressing room. I love to go under pressure, I thrive. Not able to get a big one but immensely satisfying to contribute to win. These are the lucky earrings, they'll stay on.
Shubman Gill: Felt amazing. For the most time, I sat back and enjoyed Rohit's batting. He told me doesn't matter how the scoreboard gap is, the aim was to bat till the end. We missed out in 2023, happy to win eight ODIs back to back. Seeing the intensity with which he plays with is amazing. He keeps telling us to give it everything and backs it up. NZ are very consistent and execute plans accurately. We know they give it their all. They showed it tonight with the consistency.
Ravindra Jadeja: That is how it is with me; sometimes a hero, sometimes a zero. The wicket was not easy for a new batter. Hardik and KL were great. Winning the CT is a huge thing. If you don't win a big tournament after playing so long, it hurts.
Kuldeep Yadav: Luckily my batting wasn't needed. KL and Hardik did brilliantly. I don't believe in favorites tags but we have been doing brilliantly. This win is dedicated to our fans. It is easy to say that four spinners in the team, but it is very tough to manage four spinners. There was a lot of planning and all credit to Rohit bhai. Big party tonight.
KL Rahul: Not sure I can say this on air but I was s****** myself. As confident as I could be that I could get over the line. Keeping composure is all that matters, happy to have done it this time. I've batted in times like this in three out of the five games. Hard to put in words, but the team has pure skill. The way we've all had to play cricket growing up, we faced pressure from the time we became professional cricketers. The BCCI have groomed all of them and we've challenging ourselves to get better.

This is the third time India have won the Champions Trophy title. They had previously shared it with Sri Lanka in 2002 under Sourav Ganguly and won it in 2013 under MS Dhoni.

India won the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai after beating New Zealand by four wickets with one over to spare. Chasing 252, skipper Rohit Sharma led the charge with 76 after spinners entrapped the Kiwis on a dry sub-continent pitch. This is the third time India have won the Champions Trophy title. They had previously shared it with Sri Lanka in 2002 under Sourav Ganguly and won it in 2013 under MS Dhoni. With the win, India now are the only team in world cricket history to have won at least two titles in each of the white-ball tournaments - T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy. Here's how the players reacted after the win: Hardik Pandya: Always amazing to win an ICC event. I remember 2017 very closely, couldn't finish that time. Very pleased to have done it here. KL was calm, he took his chances at the right time. He has immense talent, no one can time it as well as him. Also Read: 'It is hosted by us': Shoaib Akhtar hits out PCB for missing out presentation ceremony after Champions Trophy final Varun Chakaravarthy: It was a sudden inclusion and I didn't expect it to turn out like this. It's a dream come true. We had to stick to our lengths. Shreyas Iyer: Feeling ecstatic. This is my first ICC trophy, kinda overwhelmed looking at each and everyone in the dressing room. I love to go under pressure, I thrive. Not able to get a big one but immensely satisfying to contribute to win. These are the lucky earrings, they'll stay on. Shubman Gill: Felt amazing. For the most time, I sat back and enjoyed Rohit's batting. He told me doesn't matter how the scoreboard gap is, the aim was to bat till the end. We missed out in 2023, happy to win eight ODIs back to back. Seeing the intensity with which he plays with is amazing. He keeps telling us to give it everything and backs it up. NZ are very consistent and execute plans accurately. We know they give it their all. They showed it tonight with the consistency. Ravindra Jadeja: That is how it is with me; sometimes a hero, sometimes a zero. The wicket was not easy for a new batter. Hardik and KL were great. Winning the CT is a huge thing. If you don't win a big tournament after playing so long, it hurts. Kuldeep Yadav: Luckily my batting wasn't needed. KL and Hardik did brilliantly. I don't believe in favorites tags but we have been doing brilliantly. This win is dedicated to our fans. It is easy to say that four spinners in the team, but it is very tough to manage four spinners. There was a lot of planning and all credit to Rohit bhai. Big party tonight. KL Rahul: Not sure I can say this on air but I was s****** myself. As confident as I could be that I could get over the line. Keeping composure is all that matters, happy to have done it this time. I've batted in times like this in three out of the five games. Hard to put in words, but the team has pure skill. The way we've all had to play cricket growing up, we faced pressure from the time we became professional cricketers. The BCCI have groomed all of them and we've challenging ourselves to get better.

From missing out in CT 2017 to 2023 ODI WC heartbreak: Indian players reflect on Champions Trophy 2025 win

England batter Harry Brook has withdrawn from the upcoming 18th season of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league" rel="dofollow">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) for the second consecutive year, putting him at risk of a two-year ban from future editions of the cash-rich league.
As per ESPNCricinfo, Brook&rsquo;s withdrawal was conveyed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last week and later communicated to his franchise, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals" rel="dofollow">Delhi Capitals</a> (DC). DC had acquired Brook for $716,000 (₹6.25 crore) in the last auction. Neither the IPL nor Brook has provided an official reason for his decision.&nbsp;
However, he is considered a frontrunner to replace Jos Buttler as England&rsquo;s white-ball captain following the team&rsquo;s poor performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup and their failure to qualify for the ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy</a>. With 18 months remaining on his central contract and his commitments as an all-format player, workload management could be a contributing factor.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/it-is-hosted-by-us-shoaib-akhtar-hits-out-pcb-for-missing-out-presentation-ceremony-after-champions-trophy-final-8838283">'It is hosted by us': Shoaib Akhtar hits out PCB for missing out presentation ceremony after Champions Trophy final</a>
<h2 data-start="283" data-end="1008">What the rule says</h2>
Brook&rsquo;s withdrawal may trigger a two-year IPL ban, as per a rule introduced ahead of the 2025 mega auction. The rule, established in response to multiple last-minute withdrawals, states: "Any overseas player who registers for the auction and, after being picked, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will be banned from participating in the IPL and IPL auction for two seasons. The only exception will be for an injury or medical condition, which must be confirmed by the player's home board."
Last year, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/harry-brook" rel="dofollow">Brook</a> pulled out of the IPL to be with his family following his grandmother&rsquo;s passing, which also led him to miss England&rsquo;s Test series in India. He was part of the Delhi Capitals squad but was released ahead of the 2025 mega-auction.
The upcoming IPL season for Delhi begins on March 24, with Delhi Capitals facing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). In addition to finding a replacement for Brook, Capitals has yet to announce their captain for the season.
Brook previously played in the 2023 edition for Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 190 runs in 11 matches at an average of 22.11. His standout performance was a century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Brook's move to pull out from the league was conveyed by the officials of England and Wales Cricket Board to the Board of Control for Cricket in India last week

England batter Harry Brook has withdrawn from the upcoming 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the second consecutive year, putting him at risk of a two-year ban from future editions of the cash-rich league. As per ESPNCricinfo, Brook’s withdrawal was conveyed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last week and later communicated to his franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC). DC had acquired Brook for $716,000 (₹6.25 crore) in the last auction. Neither the IPL nor Brook has provided an official reason for his decision. However, he is considered a frontrunner to replace Jos Buttler as England’s white-ball captain following the team’s poor performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup and their failure to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy. With 18 months remaining on his central contract and his commitments as an all-format player, workload management could be a contributing factor. Also Read: 'It is hosted by us': Shoaib Akhtar hits out PCB for missing out presentation ceremony after Champions Trophy final What the rule says Brook’s withdrawal may trigger a two-year IPL ban, as per a rule introduced ahead of the 2025 mega auction. The rule, established in response to multiple last-minute withdrawals, states: "Any overseas player who registers for the auction and, after being picked, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will be banned from participating in the IPL and IPL auction for two seasons. The only exception will be for an injury or medical condition, which must be confirmed by the player's home board." Last year, Brook pulled out of the IPL to be with his family following his grandmother’s passing, which also led him to miss England’s Test series in India. He was part of the Delhi Capitals squad but was released ahead of the 2025 mega-auction. The upcoming IPL season for Delhi begins on March 24, with Delhi Capitals facing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). In addition to finding a replacement for Brook, Capitals has yet to announce their captain for the season. Brook previously played in the 2023 edition for Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 190 runs in 11 matches at an average of 22.11. His standout performance was a century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Harry Brook opts out for second successive season, faces possible two-year ban

Rohit Sharma has confirmed that he is not retiring from ODI cricket, dismissing recent speculation. The Indian captain, along with Virat Kohli, is set to continue playing till the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit was also named Player of the Match in the final, securing his fourth ICC title alongside Kohli.

Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma dismisses ODI retirement rumors, eyes 2027 World Cup

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has called out Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for missing out on the presentation ceremony after the Champions Trophy 2025 final. The PCB were the official host of the tournament, with India playing its matches in Dubai. In the final held at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (Mar 9), India beat New Zealand by four wickets to win their third CT title and second consecutive ICC trophy.
At the presentation ceremony, no member from the host nation was present, which did not sit well with Akhtar.
Taking to social media platform X, Akhtar said: "It is a weird thing that I have observed that no PCB member was present at the ceremony. Pakistan are the host of Champions Trophy and no member is present here (at the ceremony). This is beyond my understanding. Why no one came to represent or present the trophy, it is beyond me. Think about it please. This is the world stage, you (PCB) should have been here but sadly I could not see any Pakistan Cricket Board member out there. It is hosted by us yet there's nobody there, think about this."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-win-champions-trophy-76-and-potm-rohit-kohli-step-up-in-final-as-india-win-consecutive-icc-titles-after-2023-odi-wc-heartbreak-8838021">'76 and POTM': Rohit-Kohli step up in final as India win consecutive ICC titles after 2023 ODI WC heartbreak</a>
As for the match, India chased down the target of 252 with one over and four wickets to spare to win the title.
India won the tournament without losing a single match. They had beaten Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in the group stage, Australia in the semis and again Kiwis in the final.
This is the third time India have won the Champions Trophy title. They had previously shared it with Sri Lanka in 2002 under Sourav Ganguly and won it in 2013 under MS Dhoni.
With the win, India now are the only team in world cricket history to have won at least two titles in each of the white-ball tournaments - T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy.

The PCB were the official host of the tournament with India playing its matches in Dubai. In the final on Sunday (Mar 9), India beat New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai. Cricket Sports

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has called out Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for missing out on the presentation ceremony after the Champions Trophy 2025 final. The PCB were the official host of the tournament, with India playing its matches in Dubai. In the final held at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (Mar 9), India beat New Zealand by four wickets to win their third CT title and second consecutive ICC trophy. At the presentation ceremony, no member from the host nation was present, which did not sit well with Akhtar. Taking to social media platform X, Akhtar said: "It is a weird thing that I have observed that no PCB member was present at the ceremony. Pakistan are the host of Champions Trophy and no member is present here (at the ceremony). This is beyond my understanding. Why no one came to represent or present the trophy, it is beyond me. Think about it please. This is the world stage, you (PCB) should have been here but sadly I could not see any Pakistan Cricket Board member out there. It is hosted by us yet there's nobody there, think about this." Also Read: '76 and POTM': Rohit-Kohli step up in final as India win consecutive ICC titles after 2023 ODI WC heartbreak As for the match, India chased down the target of 252 with one over and four wickets to spare to win the title. India won the tournament without losing a single match. They had beaten Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in the group stage, Australia in the semis and again Kiwis in the final. This is the third time India have won the Champions Trophy title. They had previously shared it with Sri Lanka in 2002 under Sourav Ganguly and won it in 2013 under MS Dhoni. With the win, India now are the only team in world cricket history to have won at least two titles in each of the white-ball tournaments - T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy.

'It's hosted by us':  Shoaib Akhtar hits out at PCB for giving a miss to Champions Trophy final presentation ceremony

It was Virat Kohli in T20 World Cup 2024 Final against South Africa and Rohit Sharma in Champions Trophy 2025 who stepped up with a Player of the Match performance to help India win. The senior duo of Indian cricket, fondly called Ro(hit)-Ko(hli), scored exactly the same number of runs as well.
Rohit hit a 'leading from front' 76 in Dubai on Sunday (Mar 9) against New Zealand and gave India a platform to chase down 252 with one over to spare. He was adjudged POTM for his performance eventually.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/a-first-in-14-years-rohit-does-a-dhoni-and-joins-clive-lloyd-ricky-ponting-in-elite-list-after-india-win-champions-trophy-8837965">'A first in 14 years': Rohit does a Dhoni and joins Clive Lloyd, Ricky Ponting in elite list after India win Champions Trophy</a>
In T20 WC Final on June 29, 2024 - it was Kohli who scored 76 against South Africa and gave India a total of 176, which proved enough in the end. Kohli was also adjudged POTM for his performance.&nbsp;
After the heartbreak of 2023 ODI World Cup Final loss against Australia at home - India have now won two back-to-back ICC titles with their most senior players stepping up in the crunch final game.
The T20 WC 2024 was the second time India were crowned the world champions in the shortest format with the first one being in inaugural 2007 edition under MS Dhoni.
As for the Champions Trophy, this is the third time India have won this ICC title. They had previously shared it with Sri Lanka in 2002 under Sourav Ganguly and won it in 2013 under Dhoni.
With the win, India now are the only team in the world cricket history to have won at least two titles in each of the white-ball tournaments - T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy.
They won the ODI World Cups in 1983 (Kapil Dev) and 2011 (MS Dhoni), T20 World Cup in 2007 (MS Dhoni) and 2024 (Rohit Sharma) and Champions Trophy in 2002 (Shared under Sourav Ganguly), 2013 (MS Dhoni) and 2025 (Rohit Sharma).
No other team except Australia has more than three ICC titles. The Kangaroos have won the ODI World Cup in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2023 plus T20 World Cup in 2021 and Champions Trophy in 2006 &amp; 2009.

With the win, India now are the only team in the world cricket history to have won at least two titles in each of the white-ball tournaments - T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy. Cricket Sports

It was Virat Kohli in T20 World Cup 2024 Final against South Africa and Rohit Sharma in Champions Trophy 2025 who stepped up with a Player of the Match performance to help India win. The senior duo of Indian cricket, fondly called Ro(hit)-Ko(hli), scored exactly the same number of runs as well. Rohit hit a 'leading from front' 76 in Dubai on Sunday (Mar 9) against New Zealand and gave India a platform to chase down 252 with one over to spare. He was adjudged POTM for his performance eventually. Also Read: 'A first in 14 years': Rohit does a Dhoni and joins Clive Lloyd, Ricky Ponting in elite list after India win Champions Trophy In T20 WC Final on June 29, 2024 - it was Kohli who scored 76 against South Africa and gave India a total of 176, which proved enough in the end. Kohli was also adjudged POTM for his performance. After the heartbreak of 2023 ODI World Cup Final loss against Australia at home - India have now won two back-to-back ICC titles with their most senior players stepping up in the crunch final game. The T20 WC 2024 was the second time India were crowned the world champions in the shortest format with the first one being in inaugural 2007 edition under MS Dhoni. As for the Champions Trophy, this is the third time India have won this ICC title. They had previously shared it with Sri Lanka in 2002 under Sourav Ganguly and won it in 2013 under Dhoni. With the win, India now are the only team in the world cricket history to have won at least two titles in each of the white-ball tournaments - T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy. They won the ODI World Cups in 1983 (Kapil Dev) and 2011 (MS Dhoni), T20 World Cup in 2007 (MS Dhoni) and 2024 (Rohit Sharma) and Champions Trophy in 2002 (Shared under Sourav Ganguly), 2013 (MS Dhoni) and 2025 (Rohit Sharma). No other team except Australia has more than three ICC titles. The Kangaroos have won the ODI World Cup in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2023 plus T20 World Cup in 2021 and Champions Trophy in 2006 & 2009.

'76 and POTM': Rohit-Kohli step up in final as India win consecutive ICC titles after 2023 ODI WC heartbreak

India beat New Zealand by four wickets to clinch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai - their second ICC title in as many years. The Rohit Sharma-led team had won T20 World Cup last year after the heartbreak of 2023 ODI World Cup Final where they lost to Australia.
With the win, Rohit became only the second Indian skipper after MS Dhoni to win multiple ICC white-ball titles. Under Dhoni, India had won 2007 T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup 2011 and Champions Trophy 2013. Rohit is behind him with T20 WC 2024 and CT 2025 titles.
The other two ICC titles out of a total seven for India came under Kapil Dev (1983 ODI World Cup) and Sourav Ganguly (2002 Champions Trophy - shared).
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-dismisses-retirement-rumours-after-dubais-champions-trophy-showdown-8837705">Rohit dismisses retirement rumours after Dubai&rsquo;s Champions Trophy showdown</a>
Rohit was also nominated Player for the Match for scoring 76 in the final on Sunday - becoming only the fourth captain in the history to be named POTM in an ICC ODI tournament final.
Before him, Clive Lloyd (West Indies) in ODI World Cup 1975, skippers Ricky Ponting (Australia) in 2003 ODI World Cup and MS Dhoni (India) in 2011 ODI World Cup had been named POTM in the final of an ICC ODI tournament.
The win marks a great turnaround for India from their disastrous tour of Australia in December 2024 - January 2025 where they lost 1-3 the prestigious five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
This is also India's second consecutive ICC title, which they have won without dropping a single game. Prior to Champions Trophy 2025, they had won T20 World Cup 2024, remaining unbeaten.
In CT 2025, they beat Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in the group stage before sending Australia packing in the semis. In the final, they beat the Kiwis - the same team which had beaten them in 2000 Champions Trophy Final.

With the win, Rohit became only the second Indian skipper after MS Dhoni to win multiple ICC white-ball titles. He also became only the fourth captain to be named POTM in the ICC title Final. Cricket Sports

India beat New Zealand by four wickets to clinch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai - their second ICC title in as many years. The Rohit Sharma-led team had won T20 World Cup last year after the heartbreak of 2023 ODI World Cup Final where they lost to Australia. With the win, Rohit became only the second Indian skipper after MS Dhoni to win multiple ICC white-ball titles. Under Dhoni, India had won 2007 T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup 2011 and Champions Trophy 2013. Rohit is behind him with T20 WC 2024 and CT 2025 titles. The other two ICC titles out of a total seven for India came under Kapil Dev (1983 ODI World Cup) and Sourav Ganguly (2002 Champions Trophy - shared). Also Read: Rohit dismisses retirement rumours after Dubai’s Champions Trophy showdown Rohit was also nominated Player for the Match for scoring 76 in the final on Sunday - becoming only the fourth captain in the history to be named POTM in an ICC ODI tournament final. Before him, Clive Lloyd (West Indies) in ODI World Cup 1975, skippers Ricky Ponting (Australia) in 2003 ODI World Cup and MS Dhoni (India) in 2011 ODI World Cup had been named POTM in the final of an ICC ODI tournament. The win marks a great turnaround for India from their disastrous tour of Australia in December 2024 - January 2025 where they lost 1-3 the prestigious five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This is also India's second consecutive ICC title, which they have won without dropping a single game. Prior to Champions Trophy 2025, they had won T20 World Cup 2024, remaining unbeaten. In CT 2025, they beat Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in the group stage before sending Australia packing in the semis. In the final, they beat the Kiwis - the same team which had beaten them in 2000 Champions Trophy Final.

'A first in 14 years': Rohit does a Dhoni and joins Clive Lloyd, Ricky Ponting in elite list after India win Champions Trophy

Amid all the social media rumours surrounding Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s potential all-format retirement, the Indian captain has squashed all such talks, claiming he is not retiring from ODI cricket after leading India to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy</a> title in Dubai. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-live-score-today-final-match-updates-live-streaming-champions-trophy-2025-ball-by-ball-commentary-full-scorecard-india-vs-new-zealand-dubai-stadium-9-march-8835543" rel="dofollow">India beat New Zealand on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai</a> to lift their third CT title and became the most successful team in this competition's history.
"I'm not going to retire from this format, just to make sure that no rumours are spread going forward," Rohit said at the post-game presser in Dubai.
Under Rohit&rsquo;s leadership, India won two back-to-back titles across formats. Having won the T20 World Cup in the Americas last year, Rohit&rsquo;s ODI outfit won the 50-over competition this time. The veteran batter said he has no future plan regarding retirement and that &lsquo;what is happening will keep happening&rsquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/fans-made-dubai-a-home-ground-for-us-rohit-sharma-on-indias-champions-trophy-win-8837639" rel="dofollow">Fans made Dubai a home ground for us: Rohit Sharma on India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy win</a>
The captain acknowledged KL Rahul&rsquo;s inning during the chase, which helped India cross the winning line with four wickets remaining.
Rahul scored an unbeaten 34 off 33 balls on a dicey Dubai pitch, with his leader appreciating him for not getting too affected by criticism and outside noise.&nbsp; Although Rahul began slowly in the chase, alongside Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya, he upped his batting tempo and won the match for his team.
"Again, a very solid mind," Rohit said of Rahul.&nbsp;
"He never gets overawed by pressure around him. That's one of the reasons why we wanted to have him in the middle phase, to try and finish off games for us. With his experience and class, there's a bit of calmness when he bats.
"He picks the right shots to play under pressure situations, which obviously allows the other guys batting around him to come and play freely. For example, Hardik came out and played some really good shots in both games that gave us some freedom. Overall, the batsmanship shown by all our batters throughout the tournament was superb,&rdquo; Rohit continued.
<h2>Rohit, Kohli impressed with squad depth</h2>
Rohit joined his batting partner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-virat-kohli-on-team-indias-depth-after-champions-trophy-hurray-they-are-ready-to-take-on-the-world-for-next-eight-years-8837669" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli in praise India&rsquo;s squad depth following the CT title win</a>. Kohli said that with this squad, India will conquer world cricket for the next eight years.
Rohit spoke on the same line on India&rsquo;s batting order and how it helped them win twin trophies in two straight years.&nbsp;
"It makes it a lot easier; it gives you freedom as well," Rohit said of India's batting depth, giving him the freedom to attack at the start.&nbsp;
"Which is why I said earlier as well that we wanted to have batting depth as deep as possible. Jadeja coming at No. 8 gives you the confidence to go slightly hard up front with the new ball. If it comes off, it comes off. If it doesn't, then so be it. As long as I'm clear in my mind, it's the most important thing,&rdquo; he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: India beat New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai to lift their third Champions Trophy title and became the most successful team in this competition's history.

Amid all the social media rumours surrounding Rohit Sharma’s potential all-format retirement, the Indian captain has squashed all such talks, claiming he is not retiring from ODI cricket after leading India to the Champions Trophy title in Dubai. India beat New Zealand on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai to lift their third CT title and became the most successful team in this competition's history. "I'm not going to retire from this format, just to make sure that no rumours are spread going forward," Rohit said at the post-game presser in Dubai. Under Rohit’s leadership, India won two back-to-back titles across formats. Having won the T20 World Cup in the Americas last year, Rohit’s ODI outfit won the 50-over competition this time. The veteran batter said he has no future plan regarding retirement and that ‘what is happening will keep happening’. Also read | Fans made Dubai a home ground for us: Rohit Sharma on India’s Champions Trophy win The captain acknowledged KL Rahul’s inning during the chase, which helped India cross the winning line with four wickets remaining. Rahul scored an unbeaten 34 off 33 balls on a dicey Dubai pitch, with his leader appreciating him for not getting too affected by criticism and outside noise. Although Rahul began slowly in the chase, alongside Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya, he upped his batting tempo and won the match for his team. "Again, a very solid mind," Rohit said of Rahul. "He never gets overawed by pressure around him. That's one of the reasons why we wanted to have him in the middle phase, to try and finish off games for us. With his experience and class, there's a bit of calmness when he bats. "He picks the right shots to play under pressure situations, which obviously allows the other guys batting around him to come and play freely. For example, Hardik came out and played some really good shots in both games that gave us some freedom. Overall, the batsmanship shown by all our batters throughout the tournament was superb,” Rohit continued. Rohit, Kohli impressed with squad depth Rohit joined his batting partner Virat Kohli in praise India’s squad depth following the CT title win. Kohli said that with this squad, India will conquer world cricket for the next eight years. Rohit spoke on the same line on India’s batting order and how it helped them win twin trophies in two straight years. "It makes it a lot easier; it gives you freedom as well," Rohit said of India's batting depth, giving him the freedom to attack at the start. "Which is why I said earlier as well that we wanted to have batting depth as deep as possible. Jadeja coming at No. 8 gives you the confidence to go slightly hard up front with the new ball. If it comes off, it comes off. If it doesn't, then so be it. As long as I'm clear in my mind, it's the most important thing,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Rohit dismisses retirement rumours after Dubai’s Champions Trophy showdown

Ace India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a> is proud of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025</a> winning unit. Acknowledging Team India&rsquo;s depth that saw them <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-live-score-today-final-match-updates-live-streaming-champions-trophy-2025-ball-by-ball-commentary-full-scorecard-india-vs-new-zealand-dubai-stadium-9-march-8835543" rel="dofollow">clinch their third CT title</a> and become the most successful team in this competition, Kohli said India has a squad that can conquer the world across formats for the next eight years, leaving behind a lasting legacy. On Sunday in Dubai, India beat New Zealand to win the first showpiece event of the year by four wickets, their second in two consecutive years.
Despite not having their premier seamer Jasprit Bumrah due to a back injury and also not having a few emerging names in the final 15, India won the eight-team tournament, remaining unbeaten throughout.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/fans-made-dubai-a-home-ground-for-us-rohit-sharma-on-indias-champions-trophy-win-8837639" rel="dofollow">Fans made Dubai a home ground for us: Rohit Sharma on India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy win</a>
"When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place, I feel we have a squad that's ready to take on the world for the next eight years," Kohli said of India&rsquo;s bench strength.&nbsp;
"There's so much talent in the dressing room. They're trying to take their game further, and we're [seniors] just happy to be of help, sharing our experience, and that's what makes this Indian team so strong,&rdquo; he added.
Kohli also lauded vice-captain Gill and the middle order batters Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul for applying themselves better and helping India win crucial matches in this tournament.
"Shubman [Gill] has been outstanding, Shreyas [Iyer] beautiful, KL [Rahul] has finished games, and Hardik [Pandya] has been superb with the bat,&rdquo; Kohli added.
Besides, he appreciated the whole team for streamlining their performances, acclimatising to the playing conditions, and absorbing pressure like none other. Regarding the motivation behind chasing ICC titles, Kohli said, "These are the things you want to play (for titles), playing under pressure and putting your hand up. The whole team, everyone has put their hands up sometimes or other during the course of the tournament."&nbsp;
"Everyone has put up impactful performances, we've been part of an amazing team, and the amount of work we've done in the practice sessions, it feels great,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
<h2>Kohli lauds Kiwis</h2>
India and New Zealand are not bitter rivals but have faced off quite a bit in ICC knockouts lately, with both teams winning almost equally. Having last beaten them in the CWC 2023 semis in Mumbai, Kohli showered only praises for India&rsquo;s opponents, saying they always come up with a plan and are a tough team to go past.
"Amazing, we've always been in awe with what they can do with the limited number of players they've had over the years, and just maximise their talent. Every time we played against them in big games, we knew they were going to come with a set plan. No team in world cricket executes plans as well as they do,&rdquo; Kohli said of New Zealand.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Despite missing Bumrah due to a back injury and also not having a few emerging names in the final 15, India won the eight-team tournament.

Ace India batter Virat Kohli is proud of the Champions Trophy 2025 winning unit. Acknowledging Team India’s depth that saw them clinch their third CT title and become the most successful team in this competition, Kohli said India has a squad that can conquer the world across formats for the next eight years, leaving behind a lasting legacy. On Sunday in Dubai, India beat New Zealand to win the first showpiece event of the year by four wickets, their second in two consecutive years. Despite not having their premier seamer Jasprit Bumrah due to a back injury and also not having a few emerging names in the final 15, India won the eight-team tournament, remaining unbeaten throughout. Also read | Fans made Dubai a home ground for us: Rohit Sharma on India’s Champions Trophy win "When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place, I feel we have a squad that's ready to take on the world for the next eight years," Kohli said of India’s bench strength. "There's so much talent in the dressing room. They're trying to take their game further, and we're [seniors] just happy to be of help, sharing our experience, and that's what makes this Indian team so strong,” he added. Kohli also lauded vice-captain Gill and the middle order batters Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul for applying themselves better and helping India win crucial matches in this tournament. "Shubman [Gill] has been outstanding, Shreyas [Iyer] beautiful, KL [Rahul] has finished games, and Hardik [Pandya] has been superb with the bat,” Kohli added. Besides, he appreciated the whole team for streamlining their performances, acclimatising to the playing conditions, and absorbing pressure like none other. Regarding the motivation behind chasing ICC titles, Kohli said, "These are the things you want to play (for titles), playing under pressure and putting your hand up. The whole team, everyone has put their hands up sometimes or other during the course of the tournament." "Everyone has put up impactful performances, we've been part of an amazing team, and the amount of work we've done in the practice sessions, it feels great,” he continued. Kohli lauds Kiwis India and New Zealand are not bitter rivals but have faced off quite a bit in ICC knockouts lately, with both teams winning almost equally. Having last beaten them in the CWC 2023 semis in Mumbai, Kohli showered only praises for India’s opponents, saying they always come up with a plan and are a tough team to go past. "Amazing, we've always been in awe with what they can do with the limited number of players they've had over the years, and just maximise their talent. Every time we played against them in big games, we knew they were going to come with a set plan. No team in world cricket executes plans as well as they do,” Kohli said of New Zealand. (With inputs from agencies)

Kohli on India’s depth after Champions Trophy hurray: ‘They are ready to conquer world for next eight years’

Indian captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> thanked all the fans who came out in abundance to support the Men in Blue throughout the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025</a> campaign in Dubai, acknowledging them for helping the Indian Team feel home away from home. On Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-live-score-today-final-match-updates-live-streaming-champions-trophy-2025-ball-by-ball-commentary-full-scorecard-india-vs-new-zealand-dubai-stadium-9-march-8835543" rel="dofollow">India beat New Zealand by four wickets to clinch their third Champions Trophy title</a>, becoming the most successful team in the competition's history.
Although Pakistan was the designated host of the eight-team tournament, political tensions between both countries saw the BCCI refusing to send its team across the border due to security concerns. As a result, the BCCI pushed the ICC to persuade the host board (the PCB) to accept the hybrid model, confirming India&rsquo;s participation.&nbsp;
After much deliberation, the PCB agreed to it, with Dubai picked as the neutral venue for all India games, including the knockouts. While the remaining teams played their scheduled league matches in Pakistan, those in Group A, including the host, travelled to the UAE to face India; most teams also pointed out logistical challenges faced throughout due to CT scheduling.
Meanwhile, on D-Day, India stood tall against the Kiwis, with captain Rohit coming to the fore, scoring a brilliant 76 to put his team in a commanding position during the chase.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/indian-pm-narendra-modi-congratulates-cricket-team-for-champions-trophy-triumph-8837519" rel="dofollow">Indian PM Narendra Modi congratulates cricket team for Champions Trophy triumph</a>
&ldquo;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!&rdquo; Rohit acknowledged the crowd support in the finale during a media interaction. &ldquo;Very grateful for the fans. We really appreciate their support. It may not be seen as useful, but when they come out, it makes a difference,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>Rohit praises spin quartet</h2>
After New Zealand batted first, Indian spinners put them on the back foot, with five of the seven fallen wickets going to them, including two each to the mystery pair of Varun and Kuldeep.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Right from the beginning, our spinners... there is too much expectation, but they never disappointed. It helped them, and we used that to our advantage. We were very consistent with our bowling,&rdquo; Rohit lauded the spin quartet that helped India finish unbeaten in this competition.
Varun Chakaravarthy has been India&rsquo;s standout bowler in this edition, and (no wonder) Rohit was in awe of his skills.
&ldquo;He (Varun) has something different about him. When you are playing on such a pitch, you want to have something like him. He didn't start but played later and got wickets. Luckily for us, it came to use,&rdquo; Rohit added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, the BCCI refused to send its team across the border over security concerns.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma thanked all the fans who came out in abundance to support the Men in Blue throughout the Champions Trophy 2025 campaign in Dubai, acknowledging them for helping the Indian Team feel home away from home. On Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium, India beat New Zealand by four wickets to clinch their third Champions Trophy title, becoming the most successful team in the competition's history. Although Pakistan was the designated host of the eight-team tournament, political tensions between both countries saw the BCCI refusing to send its team across the border due to security concerns. As a result, the BCCI pushed the ICC to persuade the host board (the PCB) to accept the hybrid model, confirming India’s participation. After much deliberation, the PCB agreed to it, with Dubai picked as the neutral venue for all India games, including the knockouts. While the remaining teams played their scheduled league matches in Pakistan, those in Group A, including the host, travelled to the UAE to face India; most teams also pointed out logistical challenges faced throughout due to CT scheduling. Meanwhile, on D-Day, India stood tall against the Kiwis, with captain Rohit coming to the fore, scoring a brilliant 76 to put his team in a commanding position during the chase. Also read | Indian PM Narendra Modi congratulates cricket team for Champions Trophy triumph “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!” Rohit acknowledged the crowd support in the finale during a media interaction. “Very grateful for the fans. We really appreciate their support. It may not be seen as useful, but when they come out, it makes a difference,” he added. Rohit praises spin quartet After New Zealand batted first, Indian spinners put them on the back foot, with five of the seven fallen wickets going to them, including two each to the mystery pair of Varun and Kuldeep. “Right from the beginning, our spinners... there is too much expectation, but they never disappointed. It helped them, and we used that to our advantage. We were very consistent with our bowling,” Rohit lauded the spin quartet that helped India finish unbeaten in this competition. Varun Chakaravarthy has been India’s standout bowler in this edition, and (no wonder) Rohit was in awe of his skills. “He (Varun) has something different about him. When you are playing on such a pitch, you want to have something like him. He didn't start but played later and got wickets. Luckily for us, it came to use,” Rohit added. (With inputs from agencies)

Fans made Dubai a home ground for us: Rohit Sharma on India’s Champions Trophy win

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the Men in Blue for their Champions Trophy 2025 triumph. During the grand finale against New Zealand on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-live-score-today-final-match-updates-live-streaming-champions-trophy-2025-ball-by-ball-commentary-full-scorecard-india-vs-new-zealand-dubai-stadium-9-march-8835543" rel="dofollow">India beat the Kiwis by four wickets to clinch the title</a> for the record third time, becoming the most successful team in the competition's history. India won its second ICC title in two years.
Taking to his social media handle X, PM Modi posted,
"An exceptional game and an exceptional result!&nbsp;
Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They&rsquo;ve played wonderfully through the tournament. Congratulations to our team for the splendid all round display.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m81vua68-oucq7xv6-xqvq8t7g">
An exceptional game and an exceptional result! Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They&rsquo;ve played wonderfully through the tournament. Congratulations to our team for the splendid all round display.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1898779298019897782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Unlucky toss, lucky result</h2>
Indian captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-final-rohit-sharma-equals-brian-laras-unwanted-odi-record-8836564" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma lost his 12th consecutive toss in international cricket</a> on Sunday, equaling former Windies great Brian Lara&rsquo;s tally, with India losing its 15th coin toss on the trot.&nbsp;
However, like how it had favoured India in all previous games in this edition (as they remained unbeaten throughout), losing the toss yielded the same result in the summit clash as India won the title match.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-champions-trophy-rohit-sharma-completes-first-ever-fifty-in-icc-finals-8837235" rel="dofollow">IND vs NZ Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma completes first-ever fifty in ICC finals</a>
New Zealand batted first on a dicey Dubai pitch, scoring a fighting 251 for seven in 50 overs. For them, two players scored fifties &ndash; Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53), while for the Indian team, the spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav picked two wickets each.
Chasing a close-to-the-par-total at this venue, India began aggressively, with openers &ndash; captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill adding 107 for the first wicket.&nbsp;
Kiwi skipper Santner broke the stand courtesy of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-champions-trophy-final-unbelievable-glenn-superman-phillips-picks-catch-of-the-tournament-8837307" rel="dofollow">brilliant catch at the cover by Glenn Phillips</a>. Two more quick wickets did hamper India&rsquo;s scoring rate, but the middle order bailed the team out. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel obeyed the orders and executed their plans perfectly to help India inch closer to a title win.
Though both departed as the fag end of the game approached, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja ensured India cross the winning line without many hiccups.&nbsp;
India completed the chase inside the 49th over with four wickets remaining.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Indian Team beat New Zealand in Dubai to win its third ICC Champions Trophy title, becoming the most successful team in the competition's history.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the Men in Blue for their Champions Trophy 2025 triumph. During the grand finale against New Zealand on Sunday (Mar 9) in Dubai, India beat the Kiwis by four wickets to clinch the title for the record third time, becoming the most successful team in the competition's history. India won its second ICC title in two years. Taking to his social media handle X, PM Modi posted, "An exceptional game and an exceptional result! Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They’ve played wonderfully through the tournament. Congratulations to our team for the splendid all round display.” An exceptional game and an exceptional result! Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They’ve played wonderfully through the tournament. Congratulations to our team for the splendid all round display. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 9, 2025 Unlucky toss, lucky result Indian captain Rohit Sharma lost his 12th consecutive toss in international cricket on Sunday, equaling former Windies great Brian Lara’s tally, with India losing its 15th coin toss on the trot. However, like how it had favoured India in all previous games in this edition (as they remained unbeaten throughout), losing the toss yielded the same result in the summit clash as India won the title match. Also read | IND vs NZ Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma completes first-ever fifty in ICC finals New Zealand batted first on a dicey Dubai pitch, scoring a fighting 251 for seven in 50 overs. For them, two players scored fifties – Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53), while for the Indian team, the spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav picked two wickets each. Chasing a close-to-the-par-total at this venue, India began aggressively, with openers – captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill adding 107 for the first wicket. Kiwi skipper Santner broke the stand courtesy of a brilliant catch at the cover by Glenn Phillips. Two more quick wickets did hamper India’s scoring rate, but the middle order bailed the team out. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel obeyed the orders and executed their plans perfectly to help India inch closer to a title win. Though both departed as the fag end of the game approached, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja ensured India cross the winning line without many hiccups. India completed the chase inside the 49th over with four wickets remaining. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Narendra Modi congratulates cricket team for Champions Trophy triumph

There&rsquo;s nothing Glenn Phillips cannot do.
Cricket might never see another Jonty Rhodes, but the likeliness of not seeing another Phillips is higher. After picking perhaps two of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-glenn-phillips-stunning-one-handed-catch-sends-virat-kohli-packing-watch-8771030" rel="dofollow">toughest yet aesthetically pleasing-looking catches</a> earlier in the tournament, Phillips took another contender for the &lsquo;catch of the tournament&rsquo; in the Champions Trophy final against India in Dubai.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-champions-trophy-rohit-sharma-completes-first-ever-fifty-in-icc-finals-8837235" rel="dofollow">IND vs NZ Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma completes first-ever fifty in ICC finals</a>
After Indian openers Rohit Sharma and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shubman-gill" rel="dofollow">Shubman Gill</a> put on a 100-plus stand for the first wicket, Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner broke the stand in the 19th over by removing Gill, courtesy of a blinder by Phillips at cover. Offered with a flighted delivery, Gill smashed it mercilessly towards the cover, only for Phillips to time his jump to perfection and grab another single-handed stunner to dismiss him on 31.
Let alone Gill and the Indian fans in attendance, Phillips couldn&rsquo;t believe what he did, with his reaction telling the complete story.
<h2>Watch the Video &ndash;</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m81rm03q-kde79tlv-5qxgnfdi">
Glenn Phillips taking one breath taking catch per match is almost guaranteed 💀 <a href="https://t.co/Y1ttY3KEAn">pic.twitter.com/Y1ttY3KEAn</a>
&mdash; Bazball&trade;️ (@BazballNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/BazballNation/status/1898743295200665984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
That catch, however, broke India&rsquo;s momentum, as they lost veteran batter Virat Kohli in the next over. Michael Bracewell did the magic for the Kiwis, trapping the Indian batting great right in the front, with him entirely missing the line.
With two wickets in two overs, New Zealand seemed to be back on track in this crunch final.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-champions-trophy-2025-final-watch-all-new-zealand-wickets-8836985" rel="dofollow">IND vs NZ Champions Trophy Final: Watch all New Zealand wickets</a>
The Kiwis made the most of the little momentum gained as they began piling pressure on the Indians. Though Shreyas Iyer survived a catch in the deep, with the fielder&rsquo;s feet touching the boundary rope, Rohit failed (in his attempt) to slog it straight over the bowler&rsquo;s head, getting stumped off Rachin Ravindra for a well-made 76.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Let alone the batter Gill and the Indian fans in attendance, Phillips couldn’t believe what he did, with his reaction telling the complete story.

There’s nothing Glenn Phillips cannot do. Cricket might never see another Jonty Rhodes, but the likeliness of not seeing another Phillips is higher. After picking perhaps two of the toughest yet aesthetically pleasing-looking catches earlier in the tournament, Phillips took another contender for the ‘catch of the tournament’ in the Champions Trophy final against India in Dubai. Also read | IND vs NZ Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma completes first-ever fifty in ICC finals After Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put on a 100-plus stand for the first wicket, Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner broke the stand in the 19th over by removing Gill, courtesy of a blinder by Phillips at cover. Offered with a flighted delivery, Gill smashed it mercilessly towards the cover, only for Phillips to time his jump to perfection and grab another single-handed stunner to dismiss him on 31. Let alone Gill and the Indian fans in attendance, Phillips couldn’t believe what he did, with his reaction telling the complete story. Watch the Video – Glenn Phillips taking one breath taking catch per match is almost guaranteed 💀 pic.twitter.com/Y1ttY3KEAn — Bazball™️ (@BazballNation) March 9, 2025 That catch, however, broke India’s momentum, as they lost veteran batter Virat Kohli in the next over. Michael Bracewell did the magic for the Kiwis, trapping the Indian batting great right in the front, with him entirely missing the line. With two wickets in two overs, New Zealand seemed to be back on track in this crunch final. Also read | IND vs NZ Champions Trophy Final: Watch all New Zealand wickets The Kiwis made the most of the little momentum gained as they began piling pressure on the Indians. Though Shreyas Iyer survived a catch in the deep, with the fielder’s feet touching the boundary rope, Rohit failed (in his attempt) to slog it straight over the bowler’s head, getting stumped off Rachin Ravindra for a well-made 76. (With inputs from agencies)

Unbelievable! Glenn ‘Superman’ Phillips plucks ‘Catch of the tournament’ - Watch

Indian captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> completed his fifty in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy final</a> against New Zealand in Dubai. Playing his 11th ICC final across formats, Rohit&rsquo;s previous best was 47 against Australia in the CWC 2023 final; he surpassed it and hit his first ICC final fifty. The right-handed opener took the Kiwi bowlers to the cleaners at the start, smashing them for fours and sixes for fun.
Chasing 252 on a dicey Dubai pitch, Rohit began the innings with a six on the second ball, pulling one to deep square leg off lanky seamer Kyle Jamieson. He continued the onslaught against William O&rsquo;Rourke, hitting him for fours across both sides. As Rohit began getting into his groove, captain Mitchell Santner introduced Nathan Smith to the attack, only for him to suffer the wrath of Rohit&rsquo;s clean hitting.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m81q3ut1-umlbcaix-idk89ure">
HIGH &amp; HANDSOME! 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohitSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohitSharma</a> steps out &amp; welcomes Nathan Smith with a 93m six! 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar</a> FINAL 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 &amp; Sports18-1! 📺📱 Star watching FREE on JioHotstar: <a href="https://t.co/Bp0noOiMnu">https://t.co/Bp0noOiMnu</a> <a href="https://t.co/6OmjhbNdOx">pic.twitter.com/6OmjhbNdOx</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1898729860312543611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
The Indian captain smashed six fours and three sixes inside the Powerplay before completing his maiden ICC final fifty. Alongside his fellow opener Shubman Gill, who found his touch after the end of ten overs, Rohit stitched a 100-plus stand for the first wicket (in 17 overs) for the first time in this competition.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m81q49sg-mo8padgk-mqy6tqyj">
First 50+ score for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohitSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohitSharma</a> in an ICC Final! 👏 The Indian skipper is leading from the front on the big stage! 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar</a> FINAL 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 &amp; Sports18-1! 📺📱 Star watching FREE on&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/om4hTx47TK">pic.twitter.com/om4hTx47TK</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1898734713868783796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Rohit&rsquo;s infamous toss record and NZ innings</h2>
Rohit Sharma lost the toss in the final, his 12th consecutive in international cricket, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-final-rohit-sharma-equals-brian-laras-unwanted-odi-record-8836564" rel="dofollow">equalling Brian Lara&rsquo;s record</a>, with India losing its 15th straight coin toss across all competitions.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, for the nth time in this edition, this wasn&rsquo;t a bad toss to lose for Rohit, who led his bowlers to restrict the Kiwis under par-total in the crunch game.&nbsp;
New Zealand began brilliantly, with both openers (Will Young and Rachin Ravindra) adding 57 for the first wicket. Varun Chakaravarthy broke the stand before Kuldeep Yadav picked two quick wickets to put brakes on the Kiwis&rsquo; rising scoring rate. Ravindra Jadeja joined the party later by dismissing Tom Latham before Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips steadied the sinking ship.
Though they tried doing it for most of their innings, both departed soon after. Mitchell and Michael Bracewell completed respective fifties as New Zealand posted a fighting 251 for seven in 50 overs.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-champions-trophy-2025-final-watch-all-new-zealand-wickets-8836985" rel="dofollow">IND vs NZ Champions Trophy Final: Watch all New Zealand wickets</a>
(With inputs from innings)

Cricket, Sports: Before this game, captain Rohit Sharma's previous best in ICC finals was 47, which he scored against Australia in the CWC 2023 final in Ahmedabad.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma completed his fifty in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Playing his 11th ICC final across formats, Rohit’s previous best was 47 against Australia in the CWC 2023 final; he surpassed it and hit his first ICC final fifty. The right-handed opener took the Kiwi bowlers to the cleaners at the start, smashing them for fours and sixes for fun. Chasing 252 on a dicey Dubai pitch, Rohit began the innings with a six on the second ball, pulling one to deep square leg off lanky seamer Kyle Jamieson. He continued the onslaught against William O’Rourke, hitting him for fours across both sides. As Rohit began getting into his groove, captain Mitchell Santner introduced Nathan Smith to the attack, only for him to suffer the wrath of Rohit’s clean hitting. HIGH & HANDSOME! 🙌#RohitSharma steps out & welcomes Nathan Smith with a 93m six! 🤯#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1! 📺📱 Star watching FREE on JioHotstar: https://t.co/Bp0noOiMnu pic.twitter.com/6OmjhbNdOx — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025 The Indian captain smashed six fours and three sixes inside the Powerplay before completing his maiden ICC final fifty. Alongside his fellow opener Shubman Gill, who found his touch after the end of ten overs, Rohit stitched a 100-plus stand for the first wicket (in 17 overs) for the first time in this competition. First 50+ score for #RohitSharma in an ICC Final! 👏 The Indian skipper is leading from the front on the big stage! 🔥#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1! 📺📱 Star watching FREE on… pic.twitter.com/om4hTx47TK — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025 Rohit’s infamous toss record and NZ innings Rohit Sharma lost the toss in the final, his 12th consecutive in international cricket, equalling Brian Lara’s record, with India losing its 15th straight coin toss across all competitions. Meanwhile, for the nth time in this edition, this wasn’t a bad toss to lose for Rohit, who led his bowlers to restrict the Kiwis under par-total in the crunch game. New Zealand began brilliantly, with both openers (Will Young and Rachin Ravindra) adding 57 for the first wicket. Varun Chakaravarthy broke the stand before Kuldeep Yadav picked two quick wickets to put brakes on the Kiwis’ rising scoring rate. Ravindra Jadeja joined the party later by dismissing Tom Latham before Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips steadied the sinking ship. Though they tried doing it for most of their innings, both departed soon after. Mitchell and Michael Bracewell completed respective fifties as New Zealand posted a fighting 251 for seven in 50 overs. Also read | IND vs NZ Champions Trophy Final: Watch all New Zealand wickets (With inputs from innings)

IND vs NZ Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma completes first-ever fifty in ICC finals

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-final-rohit-sharma-equals-brian-laras-unwanted-odi-record-8836564" rel="dofollow">New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first</a> against India in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy</a> final in Dubai. The Kiwis made just one forced change, replacing injured seasoned seamer Matt Henry with all-rounder Nathan Smith, while India played an unchanged XI for the title game. Both teams played competitive cricket, with New Zealand scoring a fighting 251 for seven in 50 overs.
For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell (63) and all-rounder Michael Bracewell (53*) scored respective fifties, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/varun-chakaravarthy" rel="dofollow">Varun Chakaravarthy</a> picked two wickets each for the Indian Team. Ravindra Jadeja was the most economical bowler, conceding just 30 from his 10 overs, including picking a wicket, but seamer Mohammed Shami leaked runs, going for 74 in nine overs at 8.20 economy.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-new-zealand-matt-henry-in-tears-after-missing-champions-trophy-final-watch-8836810" rel="dofollow">IND vs NZ: Matt Henry in tears after missing Champions Trophy final &ndash; Watch</a>
The Kiwis lost the first three wickets quickly inside the 15 overs, with the Indian bowlers grinding hard to pick up the remaining four.
Meanwhile, for India to win their record third Champions Trophy title, they have to score 252, and should they fail, New Zealand would emerge as winners for the second time in this competition.
<h2>Watch how all seven New Zealand wickets fell during the Champions Trophy Final &ndash;</h2>
1) Will Young
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m81mk9oe-mtc2h2il-iu7pmubz">
GONE! Chakra-vyuh 🔛🔝! 💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VarunChakaravarthy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VarunChakaravarthy</a> breaks a solid opening stand &amp; releases the pressure for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>! 🙌🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar</a> FINAL 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 &amp; Sports18-1! 📺📱 Start Watching FREE on&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/xldE9K61jb">pic.twitter.com/xldE9K61jb</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1898672930231607582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
2) Ravin Ravindra
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CASTLED! | \ | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KuldeepYadav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KuldeepYadav</a> makes the impact straightaway, as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RachinRavindra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RachinRavindra</a> is cleaned up courtesy a sharp googly! 💪🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar</a> FINAL 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 &amp; Sports18-1! 📺📱 Start Watching FREE on&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/VEl1RJOxfE">pic.twitter.com/VEl1RJOxfE</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1898675705841610781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
3) Kane Williamson
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SOFT DISMISSAL! 🎯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KuldeepYadav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KuldeepYadav</a> gets the big wicket of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KaneWilliamson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KaneWilliamson</a>, who spoons it back for an easy grab! 💥 Loud cheers, big celebrations&mdash;India on top! 🇮🇳🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar</a> FINAL 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 &amp;&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/U8zqp7Qu22">pic.twitter.com/U8zqp7Qu22</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1898678031474176320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
4) Tom Latham
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TRAPPED IN FRONT! 😍💪🏻 Indian spinners are all over the Kiwis and this time it's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RavindraJadeja?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RavindraJadeja</a> who gets an important wicket of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TomLatham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TomLatham</a>! 🙌🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar</a> FINAL 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 &amp; Sports18-1! 📺📱 Start&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/nKmHu5zPCw">pic.twitter.com/nKmHu5zPCw</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1898688786944647238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
5) Glenn Phillips
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Beauty is an understatement! 😍🙌🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlennPhillips?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlennPhillips</a> had no answers to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VarunChakaravarthy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VarunChakaravarthy</a>'s vicious googly! 👍🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar</a> FINAL 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 &amp; Sports18-1! 📺📱 Start Watching FREE on JioHotstar:&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/YGiL7KgJhm">pic.twitter.com/YGiL7KgJhm</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1898700240645140867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
6) Daryl Mitchell
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One shot too many &amp; Shami strikes! 💪🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DarylMitchell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DarylMitchell</a>'s resistance has come to an end, as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MohammadShami?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MohammadShami</a> finds his first wicket of the game!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar</a> FINAL 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 &amp; Sports18-1! 📺📱 Start&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/VX8ojk7cGD">pic.twitter.com/VX8ojk7cGD</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1898709033139532046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
7) Captain Mitchell Santner was run out on eight.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Mitchell and Bracewell scored respective fifties, propelling New Zealand to 251 for seven against India in the Champions Trophy Final in Dubai.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first against India in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai. The Kiwis made just one forced change, replacing injured seasoned seamer Matt Henry with all-rounder Nathan Smith, while India played an unchanged XI for the title game. Both teams played competitive cricket, with New Zealand scoring a fighting 251 for seven in 50 overs. For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell (63) and all-rounder Michael Bracewell (53*) scored respective fifties, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy picked two wickets each for the Indian Team. Ravindra Jadeja was the most economical bowler, conceding just 30 from his 10 overs, including picking a wicket, but seamer Mohammed Shami leaked runs, going for 74 in nine overs at 8.20 economy. Also read | IND vs NZ: Matt Henry in tears after missing Champions Trophy final – Watch The Kiwis lost the first three wickets quickly inside the 15 overs, with the Indian bowlers grinding hard to pick up the remaining four. Meanwhile, for India to win their record third Champions Trophy title, they have to score 252, and should they fail, New Zealand would emerge as winners for the second time in this competition. Watch how all seven New Zealand wickets fell during the Champions Trophy Final – 1) Will Young GONE! Chakra-vyuh 🔛🔝! 💥#VarunChakaravarthy breaks a solid opening stand & releases the pressure for #TeamIndia! 🙌🏻#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1! 📺📱 Start Watching FREE on… pic.twitter.com/xldE9K61jb — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025 2) Ravin Ravindra CASTLED! | \ | #KuldeepYadav makes the impact straightaway, as #RachinRavindra is cleaned up courtesy a sharp googly! 💪🏻#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1! 📺📱 Start Watching FREE on… pic.twitter.com/VEl1RJOxfE — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025 3) Kane Williamson SOFT DISMISSAL! 🎯#KuldeepYadav gets the big wicket of #KaneWilliamson, who spoons it back for an easy grab! 💥 Loud cheers, big celebrations—India on top! 🇮🇳🔥#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 &… pic.twitter.com/U8zqp7Qu22 — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025 4) Tom Latham TRAPPED IN FRONT! 😍💪🏻 Indian spinners are all over the Kiwis and this time it's #RavindraJadeja who gets an important wicket of #TomLatham! 🙌🏻#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1! 📺📱 Start… pic.twitter.com/nKmHu5zPCw — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025 5) Glenn Phillips Beauty is an understatement! 😍🙌🏻#GlennPhillips had no answers to #VarunChakaravarthy's vicious googly! 👍🏻#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1! 📺📱 Start Watching FREE on JioHotstar:… pic.twitter.com/YGiL7KgJhm — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025 6) Daryl Mitchell One shot too many & Shami strikes! 💪🏻#DarylMitchell's resistance has come to an end, as #MohammadShami finds his first wicket of the game!#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1! 📺📱 Start… pic.twitter.com/VX8ojk7cGD — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025 7) Captain Mitchell Santner was run out on eight. (With inputs from agencies)

IND vs NZ Champions Trophy Final: Watch all New Zealand wickets

The sun blazed over the cricket stadium as India prepared for yet another crucial final. The echoes of past victories and disappointments filled the air, but one man stood undeterred&mdash;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a>. The Indian cricket team captain has already cemented his legacy, bringing India to the finals of every <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc">ICC</a> tournament. His journey had been one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in his abilities.
Dinesh Lad, Rohit&rsquo;s childhood coach, spoke to WION's Athira Sasidharan about the young boy he had trained years ago. &ldquo;Rohit always had this unshakable confidence,&rdquo; Lad recalled. &ldquo;He never let criticism or setbacks cloud his mind. It&rsquo;s this positivity that sets him apart.&rdquo;
Over the years, Rohit faced his share of negativity. His captaincy was often questioned, his performances scrutinised, and whispers of his retirement loomed over every tournament. But as Lad pointed out, Rohit never let any of it affect his game. He was a cricketer who thrived under pressure, a leader who knew how to bring out the best in his team.
Watch the full video interview here:&nbsp;
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jADwMKniNHc?si=wd3hHSSvEkXPkta_" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
&ldquo;He holds world records in T20s, has three double centuries in ODIs, and has led India to countless victories,&rdquo; Lad said with pride. &ldquo;People will always talk. If he started paying attention to the noise, he wouldn&rsquo;t be where he is today.&rdquo;
One such instance of Rohit&rsquo;s unwavering belief happened years ago when he was selected for Mumbai&rsquo;s U-19 team. Standing outside the selection ground, he spotted a luxurious Mercedes car. Turning to Lad, he confidently said, &ldquo;Sir, one day I will own a car like this.&rdquo; Lad had laughed at the time, knowing how expensive it was. But Rohit&rsquo;s self-assurance never wavered. Years later, he not only fulfilled that promise but went on to achieve greater heights on the cricket field.
As India gears up for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> final, there was a quiet determination in Rohit&rsquo;s eyes. He had made a promise&mdash;to win the trophy, to lead his team to victory. His coach knew better than to doubt him. &ldquo;If Rohit says he will do something, he finds a way to make it happen,&rdquo; Lad said with a knowing smile.
And so, with millions watching, Rohit Sharma walked onto the field&mdash;not just a cricketer, not just a captain, but a man who had always believed in his destiny.
&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports: Rohit faced his share of negativity. His captaincy was often questioned, his performances scrutinised, and whispers of his retirement loomed over every tournament

The sun blazed over the cricket stadium as India prepared for yet another crucial final. The echoes of past victories and disappointments filled the air, but one man stood undeterred—Rohit Sharma. The Indian cricket team captain has already cemented his legacy, bringing India to the finals of every ICC tournament. His journey had been one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in his abilities. Dinesh Lad, Rohit’s childhood coach, spoke to WION's Athira Sasidharan about the young boy he had trained years ago. “Rohit always had this unshakable confidence,” Lad recalled. “He never let criticism or setbacks cloud his mind. It’s this positivity that sets him apart.” Over the years, Rohit faced his share of negativity. His captaincy was often questioned, his performances scrutinised, and whispers of his retirement loomed over every tournament. But as Lad pointed out, Rohit never let any of it affect his game. He was a cricketer who thrived under pressure, a leader who knew how to bring out the best in his team. Watch the full video interview here: “He holds world records in T20s, has three double centuries in ODIs, and has led India to countless victories,” Lad said with pride. “People will always talk. If he started paying attention to the noise, he wouldn’t be where he is today.” One such instance of Rohit’s unwavering belief happened years ago when he was selected for Mumbai’s U-19 team. Standing outside the selection ground, he spotted a luxurious Mercedes car. Turning to Lad, he confidently said, “Sir, one day I will own a car like this.” Lad had laughed at the time, knowing how expensive it was. But Rohit’s self-assurance never wavered. Years later, he not only fulfilled that promise but went on to achieve greater heights on the cricket field. As India gears up for the Champions Trophy final, there was a quiet determination in Rohit’s eyes. He had made a promise—to win the trophy, to lead his team to victory. His coach knew better than to doubt him. “If Rohit says he will do something, he finds a way to make it happen,” Lad said with a knowing smile. And so, with millions watching, Rohit Sharma walked onto the field—not just a cricketer, not just a captain, but a man who had always believed in his destiny.

Champions Trophy Final: Rohit Sharma said THIS to his coach years ago – And it came true!

New Zealand seamer Matt Henry failed to pass the fitness test, thus getting ruled out of the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025</a> final against India on Sunday in Dubai. Henry suffered a blow to his shoulder while completing a catch against South Africa in the second semis in Lahore. Though he remained under observation till Sunday afternoon, Henry shed a few tears after learning about his participation status in the finale on D-Day.
Henry bowled half-heartedly during New Zealand&rsquo;s last training session in Dubai on Saturday, with their captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-champions-trophy-final-santner-on-varun-chakaravarthys-spin-mystery-we-know-what-his-threats-are-8835166" rel="dofollow">Mitchell Santner remaining tight-lipped about his participation</a> on Sunday. During the pre-game presser, Santner said, &ldquo;We'll be going across the road and training after this. Matt's going to have a bowl just to see how he is. I guess we'll make a call after that.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-australias-t20-world-cup-winner-matthew-wade-joins-gujarat-titans-backroom-staff-8836672" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Australia&rsquo;s T20 World Cup winner joins Gujarat Titans&rsquo; backroom staff</a>
However, minutes before the toss on the day of the Champions Trophy final, Henry got ruled out of the marquee clash, with New Zealand bringing in all-rounder Nathan Smith as his replacement.&nbsp;
Watch the Video &ndash;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m81k7wo7-j3tm4n86-st927c4x">
BREAKING: Matt Henry is OUT of the ICC Champions Trophy final with a shoulder injury 🚨 <a href="https://t.co/qmBvTmVsiD">pic.twitter.com/qmBvTmVsiD</a>
&mdash; Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1898651648135725104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>New Zealand&rsquo;s batting</h2>
Indian captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-final-rohit-sharma-equals-brian-laras-unwanted-odi-record-8836564" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma created an unwanted record</a> on Sunday, losing his 12th consecutive toss, equalling West Indies legend Brian Lara on the list, with India losing its 15th coin toss on the trot. New Zealand batted first, making one forced change, while India played an unchanged side for the summit clash.
Rachin Ravindra and Will Young began aggressively, adding over 50 runs (57) for the first wicket inside the Powerplay. Varun Chakaravarthy broke the stand by trapping Young in front of the wickets, with unorthodox spinner Kuldeep Yadav making the big breakthrough by getting the better of Rachin, bowled on 37 two overs later.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m81k8y36-zonnqh05-3mwwv3jg">
Varun Chakaravarthy traps Will Young LBW to hand India the opening breakthrough 👊 Catch the Final Live in India on <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarSportsIndia</a> Here are the global broadcast details: <a href="https://t.co/S0poKnxpTX">https://t.co/S0poKnxpTX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/xKKBwj7AmQ">pic.twitter.com/xKKBwj7AmQ</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1898675786976272413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
Kuldeep, who was not among the wickets leading to the grand finale, picked another big wicket of Kane Williamson, caught &amp; bowled 11, with the Kiwis losing three quick scalps after a fiery start.
Daryl Mitchell and seasoned campaigner Tom Latham steadied the sinking ship before Ravindra Jadeja got rid of Latham LBW on 14, with New Zealand&rsquo;s scorecard reading 108 for four at one stage.
Glenn Phillips joined Mitchell in the middle, helping New Zealand cross 150 in the first innings. Phillips got out bowled by Varun on 34.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: New Zealand all-rounder Nathan Smith replaced injured seamer Matt Henry in the playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 final against India in Dubai.

New Zealand seamer Matt Henry failed to pass the fitness test, thus getting ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 final against India on Sunday in Dubai. Henry suffered a blow to his shoulder while completing a catch against South Africa in the second semis in Lahore. Though he remained under observation till Sunday afternoon, Henry shed a few tears after learning about his participation status in the finale on D-Day. Henry bowled half-heartedly during New Zealand’s last training session in Dubai on Saturday, with their captain Mitchell Santner remaining tight-lipped about his participation on Sunday. During the pre-game presser, Santner said, “We'll be going across the road and training after this. Matt's going to have a bowl just to see how he is. I guess we'll make a call after that.” Also read | IPL 2025: Australia’s T20 World Cup winner joins Gujarat Titans’ backroom staff However, minutes before the toss on the day of the Champions Trophy final, Henry got ruled out of the marquee clash, with New Zealand bringing in all-rounder Nathan Smith as his replacement. Watch the Video – BREAKING: Matt Henry is OUT of the ICC Champions Trophy final with a shoulder injury 🚨 pic.twitter.com/qmBvTmVsiD — Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) March 9, 2025 New Zealand’s batting Indian captain Rohit Sharma created an unwanted record on Sunday, losing his 12th consecutive toss, equalling West Indies legend Brian Lara on the list, with India losing its 15th coin toss on the trot. New Zealand batted first, making one forced change, while India played an unchanged side for the summit clash. Rachin Ravindra and Will Young began aggressively, adding over 50 runs (57) for the first wicket inside the Powerplay. Varun Chakaravarthy broke the stand by trapping Young in front of the wickets, with unorthodox spinner Kuldeep Yadav making the big breakthrough by getting the better of Rachin, bowled on 37 two overs later. Varun Chakaravarthy traps Will Young LBW to hand India the opening breakthrough 👊 Catch the Final Live in India on @StarSportsIndia Here are the global broadcast details: https://t.co/S0poKnxpTX#ChampionsTrophy #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/xKKBwj7AmQ — ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2025 Kuldeep, who was not among the wickets leading to the grand finale, picked another big wicket of Kane Williamson, caught & bowled 11, with the Kiwis losing three quick scalps after a fiery start. Daryl Mitchell and seasoned campaigner Tom Latham steadied the sinking ship before Ravindra Jadeja got rid of Latham LBW on 14, with New Zealand’s scorecard reading 108 for four at one stage. Glenn Phillips joined Mitchell in the middle, helping New Zealand cross 150 in the first innings. Phillips got out bowled by Varun on 34. (With inputs from agencies)

IND vs NZ: Matt Henry in tears after missing Champions Trophy final – Watch

IPL franchise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gujarat-titans" rel="dofollow">Gujarat Titans (GT)</a> have roped in former Australia gloveman and T20 World Cup winner Matthew Wade as part of their backroom staff ahead of the 18th edition starting March 22. Wade played two seasons for Gujarat in 2022 and 2024, scoring 159 runs in 12 matches. The Aussie keeper announced his international retirement last year, excluding his name from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> mega auction. He joins GT as an assistant coach.
GT took to social media to announce Wade&rsquo;s appointment, joining batting coach Parthiv Patel, head coach Ashish Nehra, and assistant coaches Aashish Kapoor and Narender Negi as part of their backroom staff.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-mumbai-indians-lose-lizaad-williams-to-injury-rope-in-proteas-corbin-bosch-as-replacement-8834760" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians lose foreign seamer to injury, rope in Corbin Bosch as replacement</a>
"Champion. Fighter. Now our Assistant Coach! Welcome back to the GT Dugout, Matthew Wade!,&rdquo; GT wrote on its social media handle.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m81iggvq-02fw3zbq-9vfwi49n">
Champion. Fighter. Now our Assistant Coach! 🙌 Welcome back to the GT Dugout, Matthew Wade!&nbsp;🤗<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AavaDe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AavaDe</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/SFKBEKgdD0">pic.twitter.com/SFKBEKgdD0</a>
&mdash; Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) <a href="https://twitter.com/gujarat_titans/status/1898449066356568136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
Meanwhile, after winning their inaugural season in 2022, beating Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the finale, GT lost the next edition&rsquo;s final against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a three-day rain-hit clash that went to the wire. Super successful in their first two seasons since getting inducted alongside the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), GT failed to live up to the expectations the last season.
In IPL 2024, Shubman Gill-led GT stood seventh on the points table after managing just five wins from 14 matches, two of which got washed out due to a rain interruption.&nbsp;
Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, GT retained five players, including their captain Gill, Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, and three Indian players&mdash;Rahul Tewatia, Sai Sudharsan, and Shahrukh Khan.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistani-speedster-mohammad-amir-likely-to-land-ipl-deal-in-2026-for-this-reason-8833519" rel="dofollow">Pakistani speedster Mohammad Amir likely to land IPL deal in 2026 for THIS reason</a>
At the auction, GT bolstered their bowling attack by roping in seamers like Mohammad Siraj (INR 12.25 crore), Kagiso Rabada (INR 10.75 crore), and Prasidh Krishna (INR 9.50 crore). Besides them, GT also picked Jos Buttler, Karim Janat, Washington Sundar, and Ishant Sharma, among others.
<h2>Here is GT&rsquo;s IPL 2025 squad &ndash;</h2>
Shubman Gill (captain), Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Jos Buttler, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Nishant Sindhu, Mahipal Lomror, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Manav Suthar, Washington Sundar, Gerald Coetzee, Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Brar, Sherfane Rutherford, R Sai Kishore, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Karim Janat and Kulwant Khejroliya
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: The Aussie keeper announced his international retirement last year, excluding his name from the IPL 2025 mega auction. He joins GT as an assistant coach.

IPL franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) have roped in former Australia gloveman and T20 World Cup winner Matthew Wade as part of their backroom staff ahead of the 18th edition starting March 22. Wade played two seasons for Gujarat in 2022 and 2024, scoring 159 runs in 12 matches. The Aussie keeper announced his international retirement last year, excluding his name from the IPL 2025 mega auction. He joins GT as an assistant coach. GT took to social media to announce Wade’s appointment, joining batting coach Parthiv Patel, head coach Ashish Nehra, and assistant coaches Aashish Kapoor and Narender Negi as part of their backroom staff. Also read | IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians lose foreign seamer to injury, rope in Corbin Bosch as replacement "Champion. Fighter. Now our Assistant Coach! Welcome back to the GT Dugout, Matthew Wade!,” GT wrote on its social media handle. Champion. Fighter. Now our Assistant Coach! 🙌 Welcome back to the GT Dugout, Matthew Wade! 🤗#AavaDe | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/SFKBEKgdD0 — Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) March 8, 2025 Meanwhile, after winning their inaugural season in 2022, beating Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the finale, GT lost the next edition’s final against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a three-day rain-hit clash that went to the wire. Super successful in their first two seasons since getting inducted alongside the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), GT failed to live up to the expectations the last season. In IPL 2024, Shubman Gill-led GT stood seventh on the points table after managing just five wins from 14 matches, two of which got washed out due to a rain interruption. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, GT retained five players, including their captain Gill, Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, and three Indian players—Rahul Tewatia, Sai Sudharsan, and Shahrukh Khan. Also read | Pakistani speedster Mohammad Amir likely to land IPL deal in 2026 for THIS reason At the auction, GT bolstered their bowling attack by roping in seamers like Mohammad Siraj (INR 12.25 crore), Kagiso Rabada (INR 10.75 crore), and Prasidh Krishna (INR 9.50 crore). Besides them, GT also picked Jos Buttler, Karim Janat, Washington Sundar, and Ishant Sharma, among others. Here is GT’s IPL 2025 squad – Shubman Gill (captain), Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Jos Buttler, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Nishant Sindhu, Mahipal Lomror, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Manav Suthar, Washington Sundar, Gerald Coetzee, Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Brar, Sherfane Rutherford, R Sai Kishore, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Karim Janat and Kulwant Khejroliya (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Australia’s T20 World Cup winner joins Gujarat Titans’ backroom staff

India captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> has matched an unwanted record previously held solely by West Indies legend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/brian-lara">Brian Lara</a>&mdash;losing 12 consecutive tosses in One Day Internationals (ODIs). This streak, which began in November 2023, extended until March 2025, culminating in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Lara had set this record between October 1998 and May 1999.
India&rsquo;s struggles with the coin flip extend further, as the team has now lost 15 consecutive tosses in ODIs, with 12 of them under Rohit&rsquo;s leadership. This surpasses the previous struggles of former Netherlands captain Peter Borren, who lost 11 consecutive tosses between March 2011 and August 2013. Despite this streak of bad luck, Rohit and his team have continued to perform well in crucial matches.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-final-delhi-police-mocks-nz-ahead-of-mega-clash-posts-team-india-knows-how-to-finish-8835987">Champions Trophy Final: Delhi Police troll NZ ahead of mega-clash, posts 'Team India knows how to finish...'</a>
In the Champions Trophy final, New Zealand&rsquo;s stand-in captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-santner">Mitchell Santner</a> won the toss and elected to bat first. The Black Caps made a forced change, with pacer Nathan Smith replacing Matt Henry, who suffered a shoulder injury during their semi-final win over South Africa.
India and New Zealand had already faced each other in the group stage, where India secured a 44-run victory. Now, they meet again in a high-stakes battle to determine the winner of the eight-nation tournament, hosted across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. New Zealand had lifted the Champions Trophy in 2000, defeating India in the final held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Over the years, India-New Zealand encounters have been defined by key battles&mdash;whether it's Virat Kohli's masterclass in a chase, crucial supporting knocks from KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, or Kiwi pacers like Matt Henry and Trent Boult ripping through India's top order. More recently, both teams have relied on their spinners to dictate terms. The final promises to follow a similar script, with multiple subplots shaping its outcome.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: This streak, which began in November 2023, extended until March 2025, culminating in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai

India captain Rohit Sharma has matched an unwanted record previously held solely by West Indies legend Brian Lara—losing 12 consecutive tosses in One Day Internationals (ODIs). This streak, which began in November 2023, extended until March 2025, culminating in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Lara had set this record between October 1998 and May 1999. India’s struggles with the coin flip extend further, as the team has now lost 15 consecutive tosses in ODIs, with 12 of them under Rohit’s leadership. This surpasses the previous struggles of former Netherlands captain Peter Borren, who lost 11 consecutive tosses between March 2011 and August 2013. Despite this streak of bad luck, Rohit and his team have continued to perform well in crucial matches. Also Read: Champions Trophy Final: Delhi Police troll NZ ahead of mega-clash, posts 'Team India knows how to finish...' In the Champions Trophy final, New Zealand’s stand-in captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bat first. The Black Caps made a forced change, with pacer Nathan Smith replacing Matt Henry, who suffered a shoulder injury during their semi-final win over South Africa. India and New Zealand had already faced each other in the group stage, where India secured a 44-run victory. Now, they meet again in a high-stakes battle to determine the winner of the eight-nation tournament, hosted across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. New Zealand had lifted the Champions Trophy in 2000, defeating India in the final held in Nairobi, Kenya. Over the years, India-New Zealand encounters have been defined by key battles—whether it's Virat Kohli's masterclass in a chase, crucial supporting knocks from KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, or Kiwi pacers like Matt Henry and Trent Boult ripping through India's top order. More recently, both teams have relied on their spinners to dictate terms. The final promises to follow a similar script, with multiple subplots shaping its outcome. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy Final: Rohit Sharma equals Brian Lara’s unwanted ODI record

India take on New Zealand in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai. Rohit Sharma's men are aiming for back-to-back ICC titles while the Kiwis are hoping to end a 25-year-old white-ball ICC title drought.

Champions Trophy 2025: Once again Rohit Sharma lost toss, New Zealand to bat first

India is just one win away from completing a dominant run in the Champions Trophy! After an exceptional performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Men in Blue are determined to remain undefeated as they face New Zealand in the grand finale in Dubai. Will India lift the trophy, or can the Kiwis spoil their party?

Champions Trophy 2025: India set to face New Zealand for the title

Team India is all set to fight for the Champions Trophy glory as they take on New Zealand in the final on Sunday (Mar 9) at the Dubai International Stadium. The contest will be a repeat of the group stage match where India won by 44 runs. However, it is the Delhi Police who have stolen the headlines as their social media post is doing the rounds.<o:p></o:p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Let them come... Team India knows how to finish Kiwi fruit... If you are talking about bird... She is flightless... So... Not gonna fly in Dubai as well.😊<a href="https://twitter.com/TeamIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamIndia</a>, Let's have Kiwi today.,.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/3xqwNIPMKt">pic.twitter.com/3xqwNIPMKt</a>
&mdash; Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiPolice/status/1898591132424270252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Delhi Police troll New Zealand<o:p></o:p></h2>
&ldquo;Team India knows how to finish Kiwi fruit...If you are talking about bird... She is flightless...So... Not gonna fly in Dubai as well,&rdquo; Delhi Police posted on their X handle. <o:p></o:p>
Taking reference from India&rsquo;s win over New Zealand in the group stage, Delhi Police mocked the Kiwis. They compared the Kiwi fruit to the Kiwi bird which is the national bird of New Zealand. The Indian team is the favourite to win the Champions Trophy 2025. <o:p></o:p>
However, New Zealand can&rsquo;t be discounted, considering they have only lost to India once in an ICC tournament in the last 22 years. New Zealand&rsquo;s defeat to India in the 2023 ODI World Cup league phase was the only time they have lost to the Men in Blue.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/billions-spent-empty-stands-pakistans-champions-trophy-disaster-8835745" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Billions spent for stadium revamp, empty stands: Pakistan&rsquo;s Champions Trophy disaster</a> 
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">India vs New Zealand in spotlight<o:p></o:p></h2>
Rohit Sharma and Co will have another opportunity to win an ICC trophy on Sunday, having won the T20 World Cup in June 2024. The Men in Blue also reached the ODI World Cup final in November 2023 when they lost to Australia. Under Rohit Sharma, this will be India&rsquo;s fourth ICC final as they also reached the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2023 where Australia were again on top. <o:p></o:p>
New Zealand on the other hand are in search of their second Champions Trophy title having lifted the title in 2000. Interestingly, New Zealand beat India in the final that time and will look to repeat the same after 25 years.

Sports, Cricket: Team India is all set for the Champions Trophy glory as they take on New Zealand in the final on Sunday (Mar 9) at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.

Team India is all set to fight for the Champions Trophy glory as they take on New Zealand in the final on Sunday (Mar 9) at the Dubai International Stadium. The contest will be a repeat of the group stage match where India won by 44 runs. However, it is the Delhi Police who have stolen the headlines as their social media post is doing the rounds. Let them come... Team India knows how to finish Kiwi fruit... If you are talking about bird... She is flightless... So... Not gonna fly in Dubai as well.😊@TeamIndia, Let's have Kiwi today.,.#INDvsNZ#ChampionsTrophy#Cricket pic.twitter.com/3xqwNIPMKt — Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) March 9, 2025 Delhi Police troll New Zealand “Team India knows how to finish Kiwi fruit...If you are talking about bird... She is flightless...So... Not gonna fly in Dubai as well,” Delhi Police posted on their X handle. Taking reference from India’s win over New Zealand in the group stage, Delhi Police mocked the Kiwis. They compared the Kiwi fruit to the Kiwi bird which is the national bird of New Zealand. The Indian team is the favourite to win the Champions Trophy 2025. However, New Zealand can’t be discounted, considering they have only lost to India once in an ICC tournament in the last 22 years. New Zealand’s defeat to India in the 2023 ODI World Cup league phase was the only time they have lost to the Men in Blue. ALSO READ | Billions spent for stadium revamp, empty stands: Pakistan’s Champions Trophy disaster India vs New Zealand in spotlight Rohit Sharma and Co will have another opportunity to win an ICC trophy on Sunday, having won the T20 World Cup in June 2024. The Men in Blue also reached the ODI World Cup final in November 2023 when they lost to Australia. Under Rohit Sharma, this will be India’s fourth ICC final as they also reached the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2023 where Australia were again on top. New Zealand on the other hand are in search of their second Champions Trophy title having lifted the title in 2000. Interestingly, New Zealand beat India in the final that time and will look to repeat the same after 25 years.

Champions Trophy Final: Delhi Police troll NZ ahead of mega-clash, posts 'Team India knows how to finish...'

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