<p>Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard has backed struggling Rohit Sharma to come good for the team in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Rohit, so far in three games, has scored 0, 8 and 13 runs - his worst start in IPL since 2020 in the first three games.</p>
<p>"I've played alongside Rohit since Under-19 cricket and he has forged his name and etched his name in history in the record books, in different situations, different formats of the game," Pollard said on Thursday (Apr 3) - a day before their game against Mumbai Indians. "He is a legend of the game in his own right, and as an individual as well.</p>
<p>"There are times when you have a couple of low scores&hellip; he has earned the right as an individual to now enjoy his cricket and not be pressurised in certain situations. So let's not judge on a couple of low scores. In cricket, we know we fail more than we succeed and I'm sure we'll be singing his praises when he gives us that big score and then we'll be on to the next hot topic," he added.</p>
<h2><strong>Rohit Sharma in first three games of IPL since 2020:</strong></h2>
<p><strong>IPL 2020:</strong> 12, 80 and 8<br><strong>IPL 2021:</strong> 19, 43 and 32<br><strong>IPL 2022:</strong> 41, 10 and 3<br><strong>IPL 2023:</strong> 1, 21 and 65<br><strong>IPL 2024:</strong> 43, 26 and 0<br><strong>IPL 2025:</strong> 0, 8 and 13</p>
<p>Clearly, 2025 is the worst for Rohit Sharma in terms of runs in the first three games at least as he has never gotten these many matches to get going.</p>
<p>In the Champions Trophy played before the IPL 2025, he scored one fifty and that was in all important final but he was scratchy in rest of the tournament.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If Rohit doesn't find his groove quickly, the question of whether he should continue to play as a fixed member of Playing XI is bound to be asked sooner than later.</p>

If Rohit, with scores of 0, 8 and 13 runs in three games, doesn't find his groove quickly, the question of whether he should continue to play as a fixed member of Playing XI. Cricket Sports

Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard has backed struggling Rohit Sharma to come good for the team in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Rohit, so far in three games, has scored 0, 8 and 13 runs - his worst start in IPL since 2020 in the first three games. "I've played alongside Rohit since Under-19 cricket and he has forged his name and etched his name in history in the record books, in different situations, different formats of the game," Pollard said on Thursday (Apr 3) - a day before their game against Mumbai Indians. "He is a legend of the game in his own right, and as an individual as well. "There are times when you have a couple of low scores… he has earned the right as an individual to now enjoy his cricket and not be pressurised in certain situations. So let's not judge on a couple of low scores. In cricket, we know we fail more than we succeed and I'm sure we'll be singing his praises when he gives us that big score and then we'll be on to the next hot topic," he added. Rohit Sharma in first three games of IPL since 2020: IPL 2020: 12, 80 and 8 IPL 2021: 19, 43 and 32 IPL 2022: 41, 10 and 3 IPL 2023: 1, 21 and 65 IPL 2024: 43, 26 and 0 IPL 2025: 0, 8 and 13 Clearly, 2025 is the worst for Rohit Sharma in terms of runs in the first three games at least as he has never gotten these many matches to get going. In the Champions Trophy played before the IPL 2025, he scored one fifty and that was in all important final but he was scratchy in rest of the tournament. If Rohit doesn't find his groove quickly, the question of whether he should continue to play as a fixed member of Playing XI is bound to be asked sooner than later.

IPL 2025 | 'We fail more than we succeed,' says MI batting coach Pollard on struggling Rohit Sharma

<p>As Rohit Sharma has slumped to his worst Indian Premier League (IPL) starts since 2020, he has set bringing back the trophy to Mumbai as his immediate goal. Rohit, who has scored 0, 8 and 13 runs in three games in IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians, says that a lot of things have changed from past when he was the MI skipper.</p>
<p>Notably, MI have won five IPL titles - 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 - all under Rohit's captaincy but the team now is led by Hardik Pandya.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-mentor-zaheer-calls-out-curator-after-lsg-lose-home-game-but-fault-lies-in-their-batting-8915977">IPL 2025 | Mentor Zaheer calls out curator after LSG lose home game but fault lies in their batting</a></p>
<p>"Since I started, things have obviously changed. I used to bat in the middle-order; now, I open the innings. I was the captain; now, I'm not. Some of my teammates from our championship-winning seasons are now in coaching roles. So, roles have changed, a lot has changed, but mindset remains the same. What I want to do for this team has not changed, and that is to go out there and win games and trophies. That is what Mumbai Indians is known for. Over the years, we have won trophies and turned games around from situations no one believed in. That is what MI and Mumbai are all about," Rohit said while talking on official broadcaster JioHotstar.</p>
<p>"Guys like Trent Boult, who have been here before, bring a lot of experience and understand MI's culture. Then we have Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain, who adds both experience and class. Players like Will Jacks and Reece Topley bring variety, while Ryan Rickelton is an exciting young prospect. Each of these players adds something different to the team, and when you bring that together as a collective unit, it makes a big impact. We also have several young Indian players with great potential, and I am looking forward to playing alongside them. My immediate goal is to win the TATA IPL trophy and bring the glory back to Mumbai Indians," he added.</p>
<p>In general, Rohit is going through a lean patch since the Tests matches against Bangladesh at home last year. He failed in New Zealand Tests after that and also the nightmarish Australia tour where he eventually dropped himself from the side.</p>
<p>In the Champions Trophy, he scored one fifty and that was in all important final but he was scratchy in rest of the tournament.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If Rohit doesn't find his groove quickly, the question of whether he should continue to play as a fixed member of Playing XI is bound to be asked sooner than later.</p>

Rohit, who has scored 0, 8 and 13 runs in three games in IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians, says that a lot of things have changed from past when he was the MI skipper. Cricket Sports

As Rohit Sharma has slumped to his worst Indian Premier League (IPL) starts since 2020, he has set bringing back the trophy to Mumbai as his immediate goal. Rohit, who has scored 0, 8 and 13 runs in three games in IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians, says that a lot of things have changed from past when he was the MI skipper. Notably, MI have won five IPL titles - 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 - all under Rohit's captaincy but the team now is led by Hardik Pandya. Also Read: IPL 2025 | Mentor Zaheer calls out curator after LSG lose home game but fault lies in their batting "Since I started, things have obviously changed. I used to bat in the middle-order; now, I open the innings. I was the captain; now, I'm not. Some of my teammates from our championship-winning seasons are now in coaching roles. So, roles have changed, a lot has changed, but mindset remains the same. What I want to do for this team has not changed, and that is to go out there and win games and trophies. That is what Mumbai Indians is known for. Over the years, we have won trophies and turned games around from situations no one believed in. That is what MI and Mumbai are all about," Rohit said while talking on official broadcaster JioHotstar. "Guys like Trent Boult, who have been here before, bring a lot of experience and understand MI's culture. Then we have Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain, who adds both experience and class. Players like Will Jacks and Reece Topley bring variety, while Ryan Rickelton is an exciting young prospect. Each of these players adds something different to the team, and when you bring that together as a collective unit, it makes a big impact. We also have several young Indian players with great potential, and I am looking forward to playing alongside them. My immediate goal is to win the TATA IPL trophy and bring the glory back to Mumbai Indians," he added. In general, Rohit is going through a lean patch since the Tests matches against Bangladesh at home last year. He failed in New Zealand Tests after that and also the nightmarish Australia tour where he eventually dropped himself from the side. In the Champions Trophy, he scored one fifty and that was in all important final but he was scratchy in rest of the tournament. If Rohit doesn't find his groove quickly, the question of whether he should continue to play as a fixed member of Playing XI is bound to be asked sooner than later.

IPL 2025 | Rohit, after worst IPL start since 2020, says his immediate goal is...

<p>Rohit Sharma will be 38 in about a month. He has played in Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2008 and is one of the most successful captains as well as a player with six titles (five as captain) to his name. But is he getting old to play the fastest format? Is he no more quick enough on the field? Has the time come for him to hang his boots in T20s altogether?</p>
<p>The Indian skipper retired from the T20Is last year after guiding the team to T20 World Cup glory in June 2024 and the IPL 2025 is the first time he played in the shortest format. The batter, who scored 0 and 8 in his first two games for Mumbai Indians, was used as an impact sub in the third match of the season for the franchise.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ashwani-kumar-born-place-ipl-price-next-to-shoaib-akhtar-mi-sensation-ashwani-kumar-becomes-first-indian-bowler-to-achieve-this-feat-on-ipl-debut-8912544" aria-label="'Next to Shoaib Akhtar': MI sensation Ashwani Kumar becomes first Indian bowler to achieve THIS feat on IPL debut">'Next to Shoaib Akhtar': MI sensation Ashwani Kumar becomes first Indian bowler to achieve THIS feat on IPL debut</a></p>
<p>Against KKR, Rohit did not come to field but batted as an impact sub - he scored only 13 runs before being dismissed and was rendered to his worst start in the IPL history since 2020 after the first three matches.</p>
<h2><strong>Rohit Sharma in first three games of IPL since 2020:</strong></h2>
<p><strong>IPL 2020:</strong> 12, 80 and 8<br><strong>IPL 2021:</strong> 19, 43 and 32<br><strong>IPL 2022:</strong> 41, 10 and 3<br><strong>IPL 2023: </strong>1, 21 and 65<br><strong>IPL 2024: </strong>43, 26 and 0<br><strong>IPL 2025:</strong> 0, 8 and 13</p>
<p>Clearly, 2025 is the worst for Rohit Sharma in terms of runs in the first three games at least as he has never gotten these many matches to get going.</p>
<p>In general, Rohit is going through a lean patch since the Tests matches against Bangladesh at home last year. He failed in New Zealand Tests after that and also the nightmarish Australia tour where he eventually dropped himself from the side.</p>
<p>In the Champions Trophy, he scored one fifty and that was in all important final but he was scratchy in rest of the tournament.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If Rohit doesn't find his groove quickly, the question of whether he should continue to play as a fixed member of Playing XI is bound to be asked sooner than later.</p>

Against KKR, Rohit batted as an impact sub and he scored only 13 runs before being out and was rendered to his worst start in the IPL history since 2020 after the first three matches. Cricket Sports

Rohit Sharma will be 38 in about a month. He has played in Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2008 and is one of the most successful captains as well as a player with six titles (five as captain) to his name. But is he getting old to play the fastest format? Is he no more quick enough on the field? Has the time come for him to hang his boots in T20s altogether? The Indian skipper retired from the T20Is last year after guiding the team to T20 World Cup glory in June 2024 and the IPL 2025 is the first time he played in the shortest format. The batter, who scored 0 and 8 in his first two games for Mumbai Indians, was used as an impact sub in the third match of the season for the franchise. Also Read: 'Next to Shoaib Akhtar': MI sensation Ashwani Kumar becomes first Indian bowler to achieve THIS feat on IPL debut Against KKR, Rohit did not come to field but batted as an impact sub - he scored only 13 runs before being dismissed and was rendered to his worst start in the IPL history since 2020 after the first three matches. Rohit Sharma in first three games of IPL since 2020: IPL 2020: 12, 80 and 8 IPL 2021: 19, 43 and 32 IPL 2022: 41, 10 and 3 IPL 2023: 1, 21 and 65 IPL 2024: 43, 26 and 0 IPL 2025: 0, 8 and 13 Clearly, 2025 is the worst for Rohit Sharma in terms of runs in the first three games at least as he has never gotten these many matches to get going. In general, Rohit is going through a lean patch since the Tests matches against Bangladesh at home last year. He failed in New Zealand Tests after that and also the nightmarish Australia tour where he eventually dropped himself from the side. In the Champions Trophy, he scored one fifty and that was in all important final but he was scratchy in rest of the tournament. If Rohit doesn't find his groove quickly, the question of whether he should continue to play as a fixed member of Playing XI is bound to be asked sooner than later.

IPL 2025: Time is ticking for soon to be 38 Rohit Sharma after his worst IPL start since 2020

<p>Mumbai Indians batter and India skipper Rohit Sharma once again failed to make any impact with the bat as he got out on 13 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Mar 31 at Wankhede in IPL 2025. MI, however, won the game to snap their two-game losing streak but Rohit's form in the three games has everyone got talking. The former MI skipper has managed scores of 0, 8 and 13 in his last three games - not up to the mark for a batter of Rohit's calibre.</p>
<p>Former England skipper Michael Vaughan, meanwhile, says that any other player would lose his place with those numbers as a batter.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-who-is-ashwani-kumar-mumbai-indians-left-arm-pacer-who-dismissed-rahane-on-first-ball-during-debut-vs-kkr-8910953" aria-label="IPL 2025: Who is Ashwani Kumar - Mumbai Indians' newest left-arm pacer who dismissed Rahane on first ball during debut vs KKR">IPL 2025: Who is Ashwani Kumar - Mumbai Indians' newest left-arm pacer who dismissed Rahane on first ball during debut vs KKR</a></p>
<p>"You look at his numbers, you've got to remember, we're judging Rohit just as a batter now, because he's not the captain. Now, I think you can get away with average numbers, and they're average numbers. If your name's not Rohit Sharma, you're probably losing your place in the side at some stage with those numbers. They're not good enough for a player like Rohit Sharma," Vaughan said while talking to cricket news website Cricbuzz.</p>
<p>Vaughan, however, acknowledged that Rohit isn't going to be dropped from the side but instead backed to provide starts to Mumbai Indians which is required for franchise to get going in the season.</p>
<p>"I'm not saying that they'll get rid of him. I'm not going to drop him. Come on, get us off to a start. Get your flow back, get your rhythm back, get your mojo back. Because for Mumbai to go and put right what they've not done right in the first two games, it does require that senior core to produce," said Vaughan.</p>
<p>All of Rohit's dismissal have come very soft and unlike of him - in the first game he played a ball from left-hand Khaleel Ahmed of CSK directly into the hands of midwicket player.</p>
<p>In the next match against GT, Rohit was bowled through the gates by Mohammed Siraj before lobbing the ball to mid-off in the game vs KKR.</p>

The former MI skipper has managed scores of 0, 8 and 13 in his last three games - not up to the mark for a batter of Rohit's calibre. Cricket Sports

Mumbai Indians batter and India skipper Rohit Sharma once again failed to make any impact with the bat as he got out on 13 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Mar 31 at Wankhede in IPL 2025. MI, however, won the game to snap their two-game losing streak but Rohit's form in the three games has everyone got talking. The former MI skipper has managed scores of 0, 8 and 13 in his last three games - not up to the mark for a batter of Rohit's calibre. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan, meanwhile, says that any other player would lose his place with those numbers as a batter. Also Read: IPL 2025: Who is Ashwani Kumar - Mumbai Indians' newest left-arm pacer who dismissed Rahane on first ball during debut vs KKR "You look at his numbers, you've got to remember, we're judging Rohit just as a batter now, because he's not the captain. Now, I think you can get away with average numbers, and they're average numbers. If your name's not Rohit Sharma, you're probably losing your place in the side at some stage with those numbers. They're not good enough for a player like Rohit Sharma," Vaughan said while talking to cricket news website Cricbuzz. Vaughan, however, acknowledged that Rohit isn't going to be dropped from the side but instead backed to provide starts to Mumbai Indians which is required for franchise to get going in the season. "I'm not saying that they'll get rid of him. I'm not going to drop him. Come on, get us off to a start. Get your flow back, get your rhythm back, get your mojo back. Because for Mumbai to go and put right what they've not done right in the first two games, it does require that senior core to produce," said Vaughan. All of Rohit's dismissal have come very soft and unlike of him - in the first game he played a ball from left-hand Khaleel Ahmed of CSK directly into the hands of midwicket player. In the next match against GT, Rohit was bowled through the gates by Mohammed Siraj before lobbing the ball to mid-off in the game vs KKR.

IPL 2025: 'He's not the captain,' former ENG skipper on whether MI will drop Rohit amid poor form

<p>India ODI captain and Mumbai Indians veteran <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> is going through a rough phase while looking like a pale shadow of himself, reckons cricketer-turned-broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar.</p>
<p>After failing in the side&rsquo;s tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he got out on a four-ball duck, Rohit failed against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the next match, getting out inside the first over. Though he hit two good-looking shots for fours on the leg side, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-rohit-sharma-left-stunned-as-mohammed-siraj-sends-him-packing-with-a-beauty-watch-8905616" rel="dofollow">he failed to put bat to the ball to an incoming delivery from Mohammed Siraj</a>, who clean bowled him on eight - his 80th single-digit dismissal in the cash-rich league.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Watching him struggle against the moving ball time and again, Manjrekar feels Rohit is no more the Rohit of four or five years ago, as he has to put in extra yards every time to be among the runs.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-delhi-capitals-mitchell-starc-floors-srh-with-five-for-but-its-his-aussie-teammates-catch-that-stunned-all-watch-jake-fraser-mcgurk-8907196" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Starc floors SRH with five-for but it&rsquo;s his Aussie teammate&rsquo;s catch that stunned all &ndash; WATCH</a></strong></p>
<p>"Rohit Sharma is clearly going through a phase," Manjrekar said on JioStar after MI&rsquo;s second loss of the season. "He's not the Rohit Sharma of, say, three to four years ago. He's at a stage in his career where he has to push himself every morning - train hard and be at his best - because things are slipping away for him. He's still relying on his natural talent and instincts."</p>
<p>Rohit endured a lean patch in international cricket the past season. Since the home season began, he failed to find his touch, scoring just one fifty (52) throughout (against Bangladesh in September). While his lowest came against New Zealand during the home Test series, where India got whitewashed for the first time in history, Rohit&rsquo;s batting slump continued making headlines Down Under, where he scored just 31 runs in five innings.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Despite changing positions, he failed to get going, leading to him sitting out of the fifth and final Test in Sydney, which India lost within three days and conceded the BGT for the first time in a decade.</p>
<p>Though Rohit hit an ODI hundred against England in the lead-up to the first showpiece event of the year, his best came against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, wherein he scored a match-winning 76.</p>
<h2>Manjrekar digs deep into MI&rsquo;s loopholes</h2>
<p>Explaining what went wrong for the former five-time winners who lost the second match by 36 runs, Manjrekar said they never looked comfortable in the chase after losing two wickets inside the Powerplay, even comparing it to how GT maximised their momentum in the first innings.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/cricket-australia-confirms-bumper-home-season-with-india-south-africa-white-ball-series-check-full-schedule-8906875" rel="dofollow">Cricket Australia confirms bumper home season with India, South Africa white-ball series, check full schedule</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;Mumbai Indians didn't look in the race when they lost two wickets for 35 [against GT]. In comparison, Gujarat Titans had around 129 runs for their first two wickets. After that, it seemed like Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav were trying to build a partnership.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;The challenge with building a partnership in a chase of over 190 is that the required run rate starts to suffer, and that's exactly what happened. In the end, you have to say that Gujarat Titans batted better - I thought they got maybe 15 to 20 runs over par,&rdquo; Manjrekar explained.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Mumbai lost both contested games this season, with their next scheduled against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at home on Monday (Mar 31).&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: After failing against CSK, where Rohit Sharma got out on a four-ball duck, he failed against GT, getting out inside the first over.

India ODI captain and Mumbai Indians veteran Rohit Sharma is going through a rough phase while looking like a pale shadow of himself, reckons cricketer-turned-broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar. After failing in the side’s tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he got out on a four-ball duck, Rohit failed against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the next match, getting out inside the first over. Though he hit two good-looking shots for fours on the leg side, he failed to put bat to the ball to an incoming delivery from Mohammed Siraj, who clean bowled him on eight - his 80th single-digit dismissal in the cash-rich league. Watching him struggle against the moving ball time and again, Manjrekar feels Rohit is no more the Rohit of four or five years ago, as he has to put in extra yards every time to be among the runs. Also read | IPL 2025: Starc floors SRH with five-for but it’s his Aussie teammate’s catch that stunned all – WATCH "Rohit Sharma is clearly going through a phase," Manjrekar said on JioStar after MI’s second loss of the season. "He's not the Rohit Sharma of, say, three to four years ago. He's at a stage in his career where he has to push himself every morning - train hard and be at his best - because things are slipping away for him. He's still relying on his natural talent and instincts." Rohit endured a lean patch in international cricket the past season. Since the home season began, he failed to find his touch, scoring just one fifty (52) throughout (against Bangladesh in September). While his lowest came against New Zealand during the home Test series, where India got whitewashed for the first time in history, Rohit’s batting slump continued making headlines Down Under, where he scored just 31 runs in five innings. Despite changing positions, he failed to get going, leading to him sitting out of the fifth and final Test in Sydney, which India lost within three days and conceded the BGT for the first time in a decade. Though Rohit hit an ODI hundred against England in the lead-up to the first showpiece event of the year, his best came against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, wherein he scored a match-winning 76. Manjrekar digs deep into MI’s loopholes Explaining what went wrong for the former five-time winners who lost the second match by 36 runs, Manjrekar said they never looked comfortable in the chase after losing two wickets inside the Powerplay, even comparing it to how GT maximised their momentum in the first innings. Also read | Cricket Australia confirms bumper home season with India, South Africa white-ball series, check full schedule “Mumbai Indians didn't look in the race when they lost two wickets for 35 [against GT]. In comparison, Gujarat Titans had around 129 runs for their first two wickets. After that, it seemed like Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav were trying to build a partnership. “The challenge with building a partnership in a chase of over 190 is that the required run rate starts to suffer, and that's exactly what happened. In the end, you have to say that Gujarat Titans batted better - I thought they got maybe 15 to 20 runs over par,” Manjrekar explained. Meanwhile, Mumbai lost both contested games this season, with their next scheduled against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at home on Monday (Mar 31). (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: ‘He’s not the Rohit Sharma of…,’ Sanjay Manjrekar comments on MI veteran’s batting lapse

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<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="206821428" paraeid="{65ed63fa-fa4c-4ef6-887f-3be62881edbd}{156}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a> never fails to deliver high-octane cricket, and the opening week of IPL 2025 was no exception. From thrilling finishes to unexpected struggles, this season has already given fans plenty to talk about. But while some moments had the cricketing world on its feet, others sparked controversy and debate.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="844504452" paraeid="{cc917ecb-bf2b-4a2f-8e4c-0f2300fa5f1a}{233}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">The first week saw young stars rising to the occasion, legends facing unexpected setbacks, and bowlers struggling against batting-friendly conditions. Meanwhile, off-field drama, including security breaches and pitch-related controversies, added to the chaos.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="7617199" paraeid="{cc917ecb-bf2b-4a2f-8e4c-0f2300fa5f1a}{243}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">As WION breaks down the highs, lows, and biggest talking points </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW98173927 BCX0">from</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> the first week, one thing is certain &ndash; the IPL&nbsp;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">remains</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> the most unpredictable and exciting tournament in the cricketing world!</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1560691300" paraeid="{65ed63fa-fa4c-4ef6-887f-3be62881edbd}{120}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"></span></span><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"></span></span><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">Controversies that rocked opening week</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1717483163" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{28}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">The Indian Premier League (IPL) has never been short on drama, and this season&rsquo;s opening week was no different. The biggest controversy revolved around the Eden Gardens pitch curator allegedly copying pitch reports, raising concerns about integrity in pitch preparations. The incident cast a shadow over the thrilling matches played at the iconic venue.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="2064689697" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{38}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">Adding to the chaos, security breaches have become a worrying trend. Multiple incidents of fans breaking onto the field to meet their idols have raised </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">serious questions</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> about player safety. While </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">it&rsquo;s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> always heartwarming to see the passion for cricket, the authorities need to tighten security to prevent potential risks.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="2098070430" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{48}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">The highs: Young blood shining bright</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW98173927 BCX0">
<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1411953623" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{63}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">While some of the veterans are still finding their groove, fresh talents have set the stage on fire. Vignesh </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW98173927 BCX0">Puthur</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> has announced his arrival with stellar performance,&nbsp;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">showcasing</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> composure beyond his years. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ashutosh-sharma">Ashutosh Sharma</a> has proved to be </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">a game-changer</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> with his fearless batting, giving glimpses of a bright future for Indian cricket.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW98173927 BCX0">
<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="2041800636" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{68}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">These young guns have ensured that the IPL </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">remains</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> a breeding ground for future superstars, reminding everyone why this tournament is the most exciting cricketing spectacle in the world.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="70825537" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{78}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">The lows: Legends struggling</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="33798916" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{88}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">Not everything </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW98173927 BCX0">has been</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> rosy in the first week. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mahendra-singh-dhoni" rel="dofollow">MS Dhoni</a>, one of the biggest names in IPL history, coming </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW98173927 BCX0">in to</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> bat at No. 9 raised eyebrows across the cricketing world. Fans have been left wondering if this is a new strategy or a sign of something deeper.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW98173927 BCX0">
<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1146210982" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{98}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">Another big name struggling is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a>. The former Mumbai Indians captain has had a rough start, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">failing to find</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> his rhythm. With expectations sky-high, the pressure is mounting on the seasoned opener to deliver before </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">it's</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> too late.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1176419391" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{108}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">Bowlers' nightmare: Too many high-scoring matches?</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="1638683614" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{118}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">It&rsquo;s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> no secret that IPL has always been a batter&rsquo;s paradise, but the opening week has left bowlers frustrated. The pitches have been unforgiving, with multiple 200+ totals being chased down with ease. Kagiso Rabada, who plays for Gujarat Titans, expressed his concerns about the imbalance between bat and ball, hinting that the tournament is becoming too batting-friendly.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="932629465" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{128}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">With bowlers feeling the heat, the big question </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">remains</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"> &ndash; will we see more balanced pitches in the coming weeks, or is this just the new normal?</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW98173927 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="58036497" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{138}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">What's next?</span></span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW98173927 BCX0"  lang="EN-US" paraid="58036497" paraeid="{64ba799b-116e-4676-b964-e8971c74a956}{138}"><span data-contrast="auto"  lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98173927 BCX0">With an action-packed week behind us, the tournament promises even more excitement, controversies, and incredible performances. Will the struggling stars bounce back? Will the young guns continue to impress? And most importantly, will the bowlers find some respite?</span></span></p>
</div>

Cricket, Sports: The first week saw young stars rising to the occasion, legends facing unexpected setbacks, and bowlers struggling against batting-friendly conditions

The Indian Premier League never fails to deliver high-octane cricket, and the opening week of IPL 2025 was no exception. From thrilling finishes to unexpected struggles, this season has already given fans plenty to talk about. But while some moments had the cricketing world on its feet, others sparked controversy and debate. The first week saw young stars rising to the occasion, legends facing unexpected setbacks, and bowlers struggling against batting-friendly conditions. Meanwhile, off-field drama, including security breaches and pitch-related controversies, added to the chaos. As WION breaks down the highs, lows, and biggest talking points from the first week, one thing is certain – the IPL remains the most unpredictable and exciting tournament in the cricketing world! Controversies that rocked opening week The Indian Premier League (IPL) has never been short on drama, and this season’s opening week was no different. The biggest controversy revolved around the Eden Gardens pitch curator allegedly copying pitch reports, raising concerns about integrity in pitch preparations. The incident cast a shadow over the thrilling matches played at the iconic venue. Adding to the chaos, security breaches have become a worrying trend. Multiple incidents of fans breaking onto the field to meet their idols have raised serious questions about player safety. While it’s always heartwarming to see the passion for cricket, the authorities need to tighten security to prevent potential risks. The highs: Young blood shining bright While some of the veterans are still finding their groove, fresh talents have set the stage on fire. Vignesh Puthur has announced his arrival with stellar performance, showcasing composure beyond his years. Meanwhile, Ashutosh Sharma has proved to be a game-changer with his fearless batting, giving glimpses of a bright future for Indian cricket. These young guns have ensured that the IPL remains a breeding ground for future superstars, reminding everyone why this tournament is the most exciting cricketing spectacle in the world. The lows: Legends struggling Not everything has been rosy in the first week. MS Dhoni, one of the biggest names in IPL history, coming in to bat at No. 9 raised eyebrows across the cricketing world. Fans have been left wondering if this is a new strategy or a sign of something deeper. Another big name struggling is Rohit Sharma. The former Mumbai Indians captain has had a rough start, failing to find his rhythm. With expectations sky-high, the pressure is mounting on the seasoned opener to deliver before it's too late. Bowlers' nightmare: Too many high-scoring matches? It’s no secret that IPL has always been a batter’s paradise, but the opening week has left bowlers frustrated. The pitches have been unforgiving, with multiple 200+ totals being chased down with ease. Kagiso Rabada, who plays for Gujarat Titans, expressed his concerns about the imbalance between bat and ball, hinting that the tournament is becoming too batting-friendly. With bowlers feeling the heat, the big question remains – will we see more balanced pitches in the coming weeks, or is this just the new normal? What's next? With an action-packed week behind us, the tournament promises even more excitement, controversies, and incredible performances. Will the struggling stars bounce back? Will the young guns continue to impress? And most importantly, will the bowlers find some respite?

IPL weekly review | Drama, thrills, and controversy: IPL’s opening week unpacked

<p>Gujarat Titans' pace sensation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammed-siraj">Mohammed Siraj</a> delivered a breathtaking performance against Mumbai Indians in the 9th match of IPL 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The right-arm pacer made an immediate impact, striking in his very first over with a stunning in-swinging delivery that sent MI opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a>&rsquo;s stumps flying. The delivery was so precise and unplayable that even Rohit was left in disbelief.</p>
<p>Siraj began the over with a dot ball before Rohit responded with back-to-back boundaries. However, the pacer quickly turned the tables, dismissing the MI veteran in spectacular fashion.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-gujarat-titans-skipper-shubman-gill-reveals-strategy-behind-black-soil-pitch-after-win-over-mi-8905589">IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill reveals strategy behind 'black soil pitch' after win over MI</a></strong></p>
<p>Rohit has endured a rough start to IPL 2025, having been dismissed for a duck in the opening game and now registering another low score against GT.</p>
<p>Despite his recent struggles, Rohit remains a stalwart of Mumbai Indians. Reflecting on his 15-year journey with the franchise, the former MI captain spoke about the evolution of the team and his role within it. Though his batting position and leadership status have changed, his mindset and dedication to MI&rsquo;s success remain unchanged.</p>
<h2><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">4, 4, 𝐖 💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MohammedSiraj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MohammedSiraj</a> dismissed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohitSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohitSharma</a> for the first time in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20s?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20s</a> &amp; what a way to do it!<br><br>Watch the LIVE action ➡ <a href="https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp">https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLonJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLonJioStar</a> 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GTvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GTvMI</a> | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, &amp; JioHotstar! <a href="https://t.co/x2mnv2YWUI">pic.twitter.com/x2mnv2YWUI</a></p>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1906019859361927331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p><strong>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</strong></p>
<p>"Things have obviously changed&mdash;earlier I batted in the middle order, now I open. I was the captain, and now I am not. Some of my former teammates are now in coaching roles. But my mindset remains the same," Rohit shared in a video posted by Mumbai Indians on their X handle.</p>
<p>He reaffirmed his commitment to MI&rsquo;s winning culture, saying, "What I want to do for this team has not changed&mdash;it's about winning games and trophies. MI has a legacy of turning impossible situations into victories, and that remains our identity."</p>
<p>Rohit also spoke fondly of MI&rsquo;s consistency over the years, from the welcoming atmosphere to the unchanged traditions. "From the moment you arrive, everything is the same&mdash;your kit, your jersey, and the warmth of the people. That&rsquo;s something special about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians">Mumbai Indians</a>, and it should never change."</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Siraj made an immediate impact, striking in his very first over with a stunning in-swinging delivery that sent MI opener Rohit Sharma’s stumps flying

Gujarat Titans' pace sensation Mohammed Siraj delivered a breathtaking performance against Mumbai Indians in the 9th match of IPL 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The right-arm pacer made an immediate impact, striking in his very first over with a stunning in-swinging delivery that sent MI opener Rohit Sharma’s stumps flying. The delivery was so precise and unplayable that even Rohit was left in disbelief. Siraj began the over with a dot ball before Rohit responded with back-to-back boundaries. However, the pacer quickly turned the tables, dismissing the MI veteran in spectacular fashion. Also Read: IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill reveals strategy behind 'black soil pitch' after win over MI Rohit has endured a rough start to IPL 2025, having been dismissed for a duck in the opening game and now registering another low score against GT. Despite his recent struggles, Rohit remains a stalwart of Mumbai Indians. Reflecting on his 15-year journey with the franchise, the former MI captain spoke about the evolution of the team and his role within it. Though his batting position and leadership status have changed, his mindset and dedication to MI’s success remain unchanged. Watch the video here: 4, 4, 𝐖 💥#MohammedSiraj dismissed #RohitSharma for the first time in #T20s & what a way to do it! Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp #IPLonJioStar 👉 #GTvMI | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/x2mnv2YWUI — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 29, 2025 "Things have obviously changed—earlier I batted in the middle order, now I open. I was the captain, and now I am not. Some of my former teammates are now in coaching roles. But my mindset remains the same," Rohit shared in a video posted by Mumbai Indians on their X handle. He reaffirmed his commitment to MI’s winning culture, saying, "What I want to do for this team has not changed—it's about winning games and trophies. MI has a legacy of turning impossible situations into victories, and that remains our identity." Rohit also spoke fondly of MI’s consistency over the years, from the welcoming atmosphere to the unchanged traditions. "From the moment you arrive, everything is the same—your kit, your jersey, and the warmth of the people. That’s something special about Mumbai Indians, and it should never change." (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma left stunned as Mohammed Siraj sends him packing with a beauty- WATCH

<p data-start="546" data-end="849" class="">Following Gujarat Titans' (GT) victory over Mumbai Indians (MI), skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shubhman-gill">Shubman Gill</a> shared insights into his team's decision to play on a black soil pitch. He explained that batting second on such surfaces becomes challenging once the ball gets old, making it harder for batters to clear boundaries.</p>
<p data-start="851" data-end="1232" class="">GT clinched a 36-run win at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with standout performances from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/prasidh-krishna">Prasidh Krishna</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammed-siraj">Mohammed Siraj</a> in the bowling department, while Sai Sudharsan contributed a crucial half-century. With this win, GT added two points to their tally and continued their perfect record of 4-0 against MI at Ahmedabad, improving their overall head-to-head to 4-2.</p>
<p data-start="851" data-end="1232" class=""><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-updated-points-table-indian-premier-league-rankings-standings-net-run-rate-8888780">'Updated IPL 2025 Points Table': Check points table, match results, NRR with wins, loss and other key details</a></strong></p>
<p data-start="1234" data-end="1726" class="">Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gill said, "The decision to play on black soil was made before the first match. This wicket suits us well. Once the ball gets old, clearing boundaries becomes tough, so we aimed to maximise the powerplay. Plans don&rsquo;t always go as expected, but today they worked in our favor. I kept Rashid (Khan) for the end, but since the pacers were doing well, I decided to stick with them. Prasidh was bowling exceptionally, so we capitalised on that momentum."</p>
<h2 data-start="1234" data-end="1726">Sai Sudarshan shines for Guajrat</h2>
<p data-start="1234" data-end="1726" class="">Coming to the match, MI won the toss and opted to bowl first. GT openers Shubman Gill (38 in 27 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Sai Sudarshan put the team to a fine start with a 78-run stand. Another half-century stand came between Sudarshan and Jos Buttler (39 in 24 balls, with five fours and a six). Sudarshan played a solid knock of 63 in 41 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes. From 179/4, GT suffered a mini-collapse towards the end as they were restricted to 196/8 in 20 overs.</p>
<p data-start="1234" data-end="1726" class="">Skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/hardik-pandya">Hardik Pandya</a> (2/29) was the pick of the bowlers for MI, while Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Satyanarayana Raju each took a wicket.</p>
<p data-start="1234" data-end="1726" class="">In the run chase of 197 runs, MI lost Rohit Sharma (8) and Ryan Rickelton early. However, Tilak Varma (39 in 36 balls, with three fours and a six) and Suryakumar Yadav (48 in 28 balls, with a four and four sixes) tried fighting it out for MI with a 62-run stand. Following their dismissal, MI lost their way and were restricted to 160/6 in 20 overs.</p>
<p data-start="1234" data-end="1726" class=""><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Shubman explained that batting second on such surfaces becomes challenging once the ball gets old, making it harder for batters to clear boundaries

Following Gujarat Titans' (GT) victory over Mumbai Indians (MI), skipper Shubman Gill shared insights into his team's decision to play on a black soil pitch. He explained that batting second on such surfaces becomes challenging once the ball gets old, making it harder for batters to clear boundaries. GT clinched a 36-run win at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with standout performances from Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj in the bowling department, while Sai Sudharsan contributed a crucial half-century. With this win, GT added two points to their tally and continued their perfect record of 4-0 against MI at Ahmedabad, improving their overall head-to-head to 4-2. Also Read: 'Updated IPL 2025 Points Table': Check points table, match results, NRR with wins, loss and other key details Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gill said, "The decision to play on black soil was made before the first match. This wicket suits us well. Once the ball gets old, clearing boundaries becomes tough, so we aimed to maximise the powerplay. Plans don’t always go as expected, but today they worked in our favor. I kept Rashid (Khan) for the end, but since the pacers were doing well, I decided to stick with them. Prasidh was bowling exceptionally, so we capitalised on that momentum." Sai Sudarshan shines for Guajrat Coming to the match, MI won the toss and opted to bowl first. GT openers Shubman Gill (38 in 27 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Sai Sudarshan put the team to a fine start with a 78-run stand. Another half-century stand came between Sudarshan and Jos Buttler (39 in 24 balls, with five fours and a six). Sudarshan played a solid knock of 63 in 41 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes. From 179/4, GT suffered a mini-collapse towards the end as they were restricted to 196/8 in 20 overs. Skipper Hardik Pandya (2/29) was the pick of the bowlers for MI, while Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Satyanarayana Raju each took a wicket. In the run chase of 197 runs, MI lost Rohit Sharma (8) and Ryan Rickelton early. However, Tilak Varma (39 in 36 balls, with three fours and a six) and Suryakumar Yadav (48 in 28 balls, with a four and four sixes) tried fighting it out for MI with a 62-run stand. Following their dismissal, MI lost their way and were restricted to 160/6 in 20 overs. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill reveals strategy behind 'black soil pitch' after win over MI

<p>IPL team <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians" rel="dofollow">Mumbai Indians (MI)</a> stood at the bottom of the points table last season, having won just four from 14 contested matches. This season, they aim to better their standings and win the tournament for the record sixth time. Former team captain and veteran opener&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> shared his thoughts on the team&rsquo;s mindset in a candid chat in the franchise&rsquo;s video posted on their social media handles, saying he stands by MI&rsquo;s mindset.</p>
<p>Rohit captained MI to five IPL titles, but the franchise replaced him with all-rounder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/hardik-pandya" rel="dofollow">Hardik Pandya</a> as the team skipper last season. With the new leadership and faces in the squad, the team failed to gel under Pandya&rsquo;s captaincy, eventually losing most games and getting knocked out sooner than others. Speaking on the challenges he and the side faced last year, Rohit said,&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;It was a low for the team, and I thought we didn't play our best cricket. And there were so many things to look forward to after the IPL. I knew a World Cup was coming up, and then I had to shift my focus to the World Cup, knowing that this would be my last T20 World Cup. So I wanted to make it count.&rdquo;</p>
<h2>Rohit&rsquo;s love affair with MI</h2>
<p>Rohit has won IPL six times, five with MI and one with now-defunct Deccan Chargers. Since switching sides in 2011, Rohit has achieved everything that there is to at MI; now, even when the chips are down, and his performances have dropped significantly over the years, he remains motivated to do it for the team and help them win games and more titles. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-india-test-great-quite-surprised-by-csk-head-coach-stephen-fleming-no-home-advantage-at-chepauk-remarks-8903974" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: India Test great &lsquo;quite surprised&rsquo; by CSK head coach&rsquo;s &lsquo;no home advantage at Chepauk' remarks</a></strong></p>
<p>Rohit echoed Mumbai&rsquo;s mantra, saying everything changed over the years, including his teammates, his role and even his batting position, yet nothing has stopped him from scaling heights at the team he loves playing for.</p>
<p>"Since the time I started to now, a lot of things have changed. I used to bat middle order then, now I'm opening the batting. I was captain then. I'm not the captain now. There were a few teammates who I played with and won the championship, they are not there. They're in the coaching role now, so the roles have changed, a lot of things have changed, but the mindset has not changed."</p>
<p>"What I want to do for this team has not changed, which is to go out there and win games and win trophies. That is what MI is known for. All these years we've gone and won trophies, won games from a situation that no one ever believed. So that is MI and that is what Mumbai is known for," Rohit continued.</p>
<h3>Watch Video -</h3>
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<p>Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians will play Gujarat Titans in their next IPL 2025 match on Saturday in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Rohit echoed the team's mantra, saying everything changed over the years, yet nothing stopped him from scaling heights at MI.

IPL team Mumbai Indians (MI) stood at the bottom of the points table last season, having won just four from 14 contested matches. This season, they aim to better their standings and win the tournament for the record sixth time. Former team captain and veteran opener Rohit Sharma shared his thoughts on the team’s mindset in a candid chat in the franchise’s video posted on their social media handles, saying he stands by MI’s mindset. Rohit captained MI to five IPL titles, but the franchise replaced him with all-rounder Hardik Pandya as the team skipper last season. With the new leadership and faces in the squad, the team failed to gel under Pandya’s captaincy, eventually losing most games and getting knocked out sooner than others. Speaking on the challenges he and the side faced last year, Rohit said, “It was a low for the team, and I thought we didn't play our best cricket. And there were so many things to look forward to after the IPL. I knew a World Cup was coming up, and then I had to shift my focus to the World Cup, knowing that this would be my last T20 World Cup. So I wanted to make it count.” Rohit’s love affair with MI Rohit has won IPL six times, five with MI and one with now-defunct Deccan Chargers. Since switching sides in 2011, Rohit has achieved everything that there is to at MI; now, even when the chips are down, and his performances have dropped significantly over the years, he remains motivated to do it for the team and help them win games and more titles. Also read | IPL 2025: India Test great ‘quite surprised’ by CSK head coach’s ‘no home advantage at Chepauk' remarks Rohit echoed Mumbai’s mantra, saying everything changed over the years, including his teammates, his role and even his batting position, yet nothing has stopped him from scaling heights at the team he loves playing for. "Since the time I started to now, a lot of things have changed. I used to bat middle order then, now I'm opening the batting. I was captain then. I'm not the captain now. There were a few teammates who I played with and won the championship, they are not there. They're in the coaching role now, so the roles have changed, a lot of things have changed, but the mindset has not changed." "What I want to do for this team has not changed, which is to go out there and win games and win trophies. That is what MI is known for. All these years we've gone and won trophies, won games from a situation that no one ever believed. So that is MI and that is what Mumbai is known for," Rohit continued. Watch Video - View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mumbai Indians (@mumbaiindians) Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians will play Gujarat Titans in their next IPL 2025 match on Saturday in Ahmedabad. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: ‘That is what Mumbai Indians is known for,’ Rohit Sharma gets candid about MI’s mindset – Watch

<p>Indian captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> has endured a tough time in the middle lately. Although his poor form with the bat put his position in a spot of bother despite being the skipper, his fitness has been talked about all across the cricket circle and the internet. Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh&rsquo;s father and former India cricketer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yograj-singh" rel="dofollow">Yograj Singh</a> has recently remarked on transforming Rohit&rsquo;s fitness should he become the India coach.</p>
<p>Yograj, coming across as a blunt, aggressive and on-the-face personality, didn&rsquo;t mince his words before explaining how he could transform Rohit&rsquo;s fitness even at 38. Chatting on Taruwar Kohli&rsquo;s "Find a Way" podcast, Yograj defended India&rsquo;s two batting mainstays, Rohit and Virat Kohli, over their lean patches.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ambati-rayudu-says-chennai-crowd-cheers-for-ms-dhoni-more-than-csk-ahead-of-ipl-2025-southern-derby-8899080" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Everyone gives their 100% at CSK but fans cheer for MS Dhoni,&rsquo; Rayudu&rsquo;s honest admission of Chennai&rsquo;s IPL crowd</a></strong></p>
<p>Yograj said should he be appointed the India coach, he will transform this Indian outfit into an unbeatable side, which they are already close to being across formats. Yograj threw support behind the batting duo, saying he would treat them like his kids and make them play Ranji Trophy or punish them with 20 km runs daily.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"If you make me the coach of the Indian team, I will use these same players to transform it into a side that will be unbeatable for ages," Yograj said during the podcast.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"People are always ready to throw them out -- drop Rohit Sharma or drop Kohli -- but why? They are going through a rough patch. I would treat them like my kids and tell them, 'I am with you.' I'll tell them, let&rsquo;s play Ranji Trophy, or I will make Rohit run 20km. Nobody does that. These players are diamonds. You don&rsquo;t throw them out. I will be like their father,&rdquo; he added.</p>
<h2>MI sweat over Rohit&rsquo;s form</h2>
<p>Rohit has been out of touch since the home season began last year. From September 2024 to January this year, he scored just 164 runs in Tests, including 31 in five innings Down Under, where he even sat out of the final BGT Test in Sydney, which India lost and conceded the series for the first time in a decade.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-kkr-pitch-curator-does-u-turn-in-ajinkya-rahane-episode-says-those-who-are-accusing-me-sujan-mukherjee-8898729" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: KKR pitch curator does U-Turn in Rahane episode, says &lsquo;those who are accusing me&hellip;&rsquo;</a></strong></p>
<p>Although he scored an ODI hundred against England in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy 2025, where he also played a match-winning knock in the final (against New Zealand), Rohit looked like a pale shadow of himself in the remaining matches.</p>
<p>Even in his IPL game this season (against CSK), Rohit got out on a four-ball duck, with Mumbai Indians sweating over his poor run with the bat heading into the second game in Ahmedabad on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Even against CSK, Rohit got out on a four-ball duck with Mumbai Indians sweating over his poor run heading into the second game in Ahmedabad.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has endured a tough time in the middle lately. Although his poor form with the bat put his position in a spot of bother despite being the skipper, his fitness has been talked about all across the cricket circle and the internet. Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh’s father and former India cricketer Yograj Singh has recently remarked on transforming Rohit’s fitness should he become the India coach. Yograj, coming across as a blunt, aggressive and on-the-face personality, didn’t mince his words before explaining how he could transform Rohit’s fitness even at 38. Chatting on Taruwar Kohli’s "Find a Way" podcast, Yograj defended India’s two batting mainstays, Rohit and Virat Kohli, over their lean patches. Also read | ‘Everyone gives their 100% at CSK but fans cheer for MS Dhoni,’ Rayudu’s honest admission of Chennai’s IPL crowd Yograj said should he be appointed the India coach, he will transform this Indian outfit into an unbeatable side, which they are already close to being across formats. Yograj threw support behind the batting duo, saying he would treat them like his kids and make them play Ranji Trophy or punish them with 20 km runs daily. "If you make me the coach of the Indian team, I will use these same players to transform it into a side that will be unbeatable for ages," Yograj said during the podcast. "People are always ready to throw them out -- drop Rohit Sharma or drop Kohli -- but why? They are going through a rough patch. I would treat them like my kids and tell them, 'I am with you.' I'll tell them, let’s play Ranji Trophy, or I will make Rohit run 20km. Nobody does that. These players are diamonds. You don’t throw them out. I will be like their father,” he added. MI sweat over Rohit’s form Rohit has been out of touch since the home season began last year. From September 2024 to January this year, he scored just 164 runs in Tests, including 31 in five innings Down Under, where he even sat out of the final BGT Test in Sydney, which India lost and conceded the series for the first time in a decade. Also read | IPL 2025: KKR pitch curator does U-Turn in Rahane episode, says ‘those who are accusing me…’ Although he scored an ODI hundred against England in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy 2025, where he also played a match-winning knock in the final (against New Zealand), Rohit looked like a pale shadow of himself in the remaining matches. Even in his IPL game this season (against CSK), Rohit got out on a four-ball duck, with Mumbai Indians sweating over his poor run with the bat heading into the second game in Ahmedabad on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Yuvraj's father Yograj Singh on transforming Rohit Sharma’s fitness: ‘I will make him run 20 km’

<p>India captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a>, star batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a> and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could face demotion from the A+ category to the A category in BCCI&rsquo;s annual central contract list for the upcoming season. Per the latest reports, there would be at least three new entrants to the contract list, including that of an opener, an all-rounder and a seamer.</p>
<p>Last year, the BCCI turned heads with two bold calls by removing two mainstream batters, Shreyas Iyer and gloveman Ishan Kishan, from the contract list. Though the board was right in doing so after both denied obeying BCCI orders to play Ranji Trophy matches, the report said Iyer would return to the list, but the same cannot be said for Kishan.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-to-play-india-a-matches-ahead-of-england-tests-report-mi-rcb-ipl-2025-8895733" rel="dofollow">Kohli and Rohit to play India A matches ahead of England Tests &ndash; Report</a></strong></p>
<p>Meanwhile, the left-handed batter recently made headlines for his match-winning hundred for his new IPL team, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and on the other hand, Iyer guided his new team, Punjab Kings, home against Gujarat Titans, in the side&rsquo;s tournament opener.</p>
<p>Returning to the three stalwarts, all belonged to the top category, reserved for only those who play all three formats. Now that Rohit, Virat and Jadeja retired from the T20Is following India&rsquo;s T20 World Cup triumph last year, the trio shall be demoted to the A category. A Dainik Jagran report suggested that only ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah retains his place in the A+ category.</p>
<h2>Any promotions on the cards?</h2>
<p>While the newly-appointed ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill, currently listed in the A category, could be promoted to the A+ category, rookie opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (B category) could also get promoted to the A category. Another player who can get a promotion is all-rounder Axar Patel (B category), who took massive strides across formats, playing handy roles in helping India win two ICC titles in two years.</p>
<p>However, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana and Abhishek Sharma are the three confirmed entries to the C category, where a player should have represented India in a minimum of three Tests or eight ODIs or 10 T20Is within a specific period.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/eng-vs-ind-2025-karun-nair-set-for-india-a-call-up-as-bcci-keeps-close-tab-on-tests-hopefuls-report-rohit-sharma-captain-8896034" rel="dofollow">ENG vs IND 2025: Karun Nair set for India-A call-up as BCCI keeps close tab on Tests hopefuls &ndash; Report</a></strong></p>
<p>On the other hand, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad could face trouble holding onto his position (in the C category), having last represented India in July 2024.</p>
<p>Moreover, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is set to meet in Guwahati on Saturday (Mar 29) to work on the annual contract list and discussions around India and India-A squads for the upcoming England Tests.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Last year, the BCCI turned heads with two bold calls by removing two mainstream batters, Shreyas Iyer and gloveman Ishan Kishan, from the contract list.

India captain Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could face demotion from the A+ category to the A category in BCCI’s annual central contract list for the upcoming season. Per the latest reports, there would be at least three new entrants to the contract list, including that of an opener, an all-rounder and a seamer. Last year, the BCCI turned heads with two bold calls by removing two mainstream batters, Shreyas Iyer and gloveman Ishan Kishan, from the contract list. Though the board was right in doing so after both denied obeying BCCI orders to play Ranji Trophy matches, the report said Iyer would return to the list, but the same cannot be said for Kishan. Also read | Kohli and Rohit to play India A matches ahead of England Tests – Report Meanwhile, the left-handed batter recently made headlines for his match-winning hundred for his new IPL team, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and on the other hand, Iyer guided his new team, Punjab Kings, home against Gujarat Titans, in the side’s tournament opener. Returning to the three stalwarts, all belonged to the top category, reserved for only those who play all three formats. Now that Rohit, Virat and Jadeja retired from the T20Is following India’s T20 World Cup triumph last year, the trio shall be demoted to the A category. A Dainik Jagran report suggested that only ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah retains his place in the A+ category. Any promotions on the cards? While the newly-appointed ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill, currently listed in the A category, could be promoted to the A+ category, rookie opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (B category) could also get promoted to the A category. Another player who can get a promotion is all-rounder Axar Patel (B category), who took massive strides across formats, playing handy roles in helping India win two ICC titles in two years. However, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana and Abhishek Sharma are the three confirmed entries to the C category, where a player should have represented India in a minimum of three Tests or eight ODIs or 10 T20Is within a specific period. Also read | ENG vs IND 2025: Karun Nair set for India-A call-up as BCCI keeps close tab on Tests hopefuls – Report On the other hand, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad could face trouble holding onto his position (in the C category), having last represented India in July 2024. Moreover, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is set to meet in Guwahati on Saturday (Mar 29) to work on the annual contract list and discussions around India and India-A squads for the upcoming England Tests. (With inputs from agencies)

BCCI to take massive call on star Indian trio as annual central contract list announcement looms

<p>The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) could ask ace batters captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a> to feature for India-A ahead of the away England tour starting June 20 in Leeds. India-A will face England Lions in two four-day matches during the May-June window, with the first game scheduled for May 30 start (four days after the IPL 2025 final), while the second match begins on June 6.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"The first four-day match will be hosted at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury from May 30. The second match is scheduled to begin a week later on June 6 at the County Ground in Northampton," an ECB statement read.</p>
<p>India&rsquo;s away tour of England will mark the start of the next World Test Championship cycle (2025-2027).</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ecb-boss-wants-players-to-prioritise-national-team-nick-knight-on-england-cricketers-opting-out-of-ipl-2025-lately-8895537" rel="dofollow">ECB boss wants players to prioritise national team: Nick Knight on England cricketers opting out of IPL lately</a></strong></p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Rohit Sharma&ndash;led Indian Team failed to qualify for this year&rsquo;s WTC Final after losing two back-to-back Test series (against New Zealand at home and Australia away).</p>
<p>Per a PTI report, a few of India&rsquo;s first-team players will feature for India A against England Lions. This move, however, could put them under pressure over logistical challenges, as should any of the mainstream Test players (picked for England Tests) qualify for the IPL 2025 Playoffs, he shall be bound to feature for his franchise team unless his side gets knocked out.&nbsp;In this case, should Mumbai Indians (MI), for whom Rohit plays, or Kohli&rsquo;s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) qualify for the playoffs or even the finale, either of them have to participate before flying to the UK to feature in India A matches.</p>
<p>Following their below-par outings against both New Zealand and Australia earlier, the BCCI could force them to play red-ball cricket before the crucial England tour begins, ensuring both return to some form and help India avoid any more hiccups in their quest for a maiden WTC title. While Rohit scored just 31 runs across three Tests Down Under, batting at different positions, Kohli managed a paltry 190 runs from nine innings against Australia, which included a hundred in the series opener in Perth.</p>
<h2>Kohli, Rohit in IPL 2025</h2>
<p>Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have had contrasting starts to their respective <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> campaigns. While Kohli starred in RCB&rsquo;s win over KKR in the tournament opener, hitting an unbeaten 59, former MI captain Rohit departed on a four-ball duck against Chennai Super Kings, which the hosts won by four wickets.</p>
<p>RCB will travel to Chepauk for its next game on Friday (March 28) and MI will take on Gujarat Titans the next day.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: India’s away tour of England will mark the start of the next World Test Championship cycle. India failed to qualify for this year's WTC Final.

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) could ask ace batters captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to feature for India-A ahead of the away England tour starting June 20 in Leeds. India-A will face England Lions in two four-day matches during the May-June window, with the first game scheduled for May 30 start (four days after the IPL 2025 final), while the second match begins on June 6. "The first four-day match will be hosted at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury from May 30. The second match is scheduled to begin a week later on June 6 at the County Ground in Northampton," an ECB statement read. India’s away tour of England will mark the start of the next World Test Championship cycle (2025-2027). Also read | ECB boss wants players to prioritise national team: Nick Knight on England cricketers opting out of IPL lately Meanwhile, the Rohit Sharma–led Indian Team failed to qualify for this year’s WTC Final after losing two back-to-back Test series (against New Zealand at home and Australia away). Per a PTI report, a few of India’s first-team players will feature for India A against England Lions. This move, however, could put them under pressure over logistical challenges, as should any of the mainstream Test players (picked for England Tests) qualify for the IPL 2025 Playoffs, he shall be bound to feature for his franchise team unless his side gets knocked out. In this case, should Mumbai Indians (MI), for whom Rohit plays, or Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) qualify for the playoffs or even the finale, either of them have to participate before flying to the UK to feature in India A matches. Following their below-par outings against both New Zealand and Australia earlier, the BCCI could force them to play red-ball cricket before the crucial England tour begins, ensuring both return to some form and help India avoid any more hiccups in their quest for a maiden WTC title. While Rohit scored just 31 runs across three Tests Down Under, batting at different positions, Kohli managed a paltry 190 runs from nine innings against Australia, which included a hundred in the series opener in Perth. Kohli, Rohit in IPL 2025 Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have had contrasting starts to their respective IPL 2025 campaigns. While Kohli starred in RCB’s win over KKR in the tournament opener, hitting an unbeaten 59, former MI captain Rohit departed on a four-ball duck against Chennai Super Kings, which the hosts won by four wickets. RCB will travel to Chepauk for its next game on Friday (March 28) and MI will take on Gujarat Titans the next day. (With inputs from PTI)

Kohli and Rohit to play India A matches ahead of England Tests – Report

<p>Mumbai Indians (MI) and their first game of the season have a bitter-sweet relationship. It continued in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 too as they lost their season opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday (Mar 23). This was the 14th time in 18 seasons that MI lost their opening game.</p>
<p>The first it happened was in inaugural season back in 2008 and Mumbai finished fifth on the table with seven wins and same number of losses from 14 games. This seemed like one a one off thing as Mumbai didn't lose their first game for the next four years and made playoffs in three of those years.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/that-was-aimed-at-mumbai-indians-bcci-selectors-michael-vaughan-on-ishan-kishan-hundred-celebration-against-rr-in-ipl-2025-8886050">&lsquo;That was aimed at Mumbai Indians, BCCI selectors&hellip;,&rsquo; Vaughan on Kishan&rsquo;s celebration against RR</a></p>
<p>Then came 2013 - where the bittersweet relationship really started. Mumbai lost the first game but then went on to win next five before losing another one. They played 16 regular season games in 2013 and won 11 of them. What more, they won their their first title as well.</p>
<p>Since the 2013 season, MI have never won their first game of the season - a streak which continued in 2025 as well. In 12 seasons before the current one, MI may have lost their opening game but they made the playoffs seven times and won five titles - the joint most in the IPL history along with Chennai Super Kings.</p>
<p>During these seasons, MI have mostly played under Rohit Sharma - one of the most successful IPL captains - winning five titles as skipper and six in total while taking 2009 title with erstwhile Deccan Chargers into account.</p>
<p>Mumbai are currently led by Hardik Pandya - who took over the reins from Sharma in last season. The all-rounder has been an integral part of Mumbai Indians over the years barring his two-year stint at Gujarat Titans during which he led them to one title.</p>
<p>Pandya, however, didn't play the first game this season against CSK in IPL 2025 due to a ban from the last season for slow over-rate but shall be available for the next one.</p>

Since the 2013 season, Mumbai Indians have never won their first game of the season - a streak which continued in 2025 as well as they lost against CSK. Cricket Sports

Mumbai Indians (MI) and their first game of the season have a bitter-sweet relationship. It continued in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 too as they lost their season opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday (Mar 23). This was the 14th time in 18 seasons that MI lost their opening game. The first it happened was in inaugural season back in 2008 and Mumbai finished fifth on the table with seven wins and same number of losses from 14 games. This seemed like one a one off thing as Mumbai didn't lose their first game for the next four years and made playoffs in three of those years. Also Read: ‘That was aimed at Mumbai Indians, BCCI selectors…,’ Vaughan on Kishan’s celebration against RR Then came 2013 - where the bittersweet relationship really started. Mumbai lost the first game but then went on to win next five before losing another one. They played 16 regular season games in 2013 and won 11 of them. What more, they won their their first title as well. Since the 2013 season, MI have never won their first game of the season - a streak which continued in 2025 as well. In 12 seasons before the current one, MI may have lost their opening game but they made the playoffs seven times and won five titles - the joint most in the IPL history along with Chennai Super Kings. During these seasons, MI have mostly played under Rohit Sharma - one of the most successful IPL captains - winning five titles as skipper and six in total while taking 2009 title with erstwhile Deccan Chargers into account. Mumbai are currently led by Hardik Pandya - who took over the reins from Sharma in last season. The all-rounder has been an integral part of Mumbai Indians over the years barring his two-year stint at Gujarat Titans during which he led them to one title. Pandya, however, didn't play the first game this season against CSK in IPL 2025 due to a ban from the last season for slow over-rate but shall be available for the next one.

IPL 2025: With loss against CSK, Mumbai Indians have now lost their first game 13 times in a row

<p>Plenty happened inside the first two hours of CSK vs MI's marquee IPL 2025 clash in Chennai on Sunday evening. The IPL&rsquo;s El-Clasico got underway with Mumbai Indians veteran and former captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> getting out on a four-ball duck to Khaleel Ahmed, registering an unwanted record. On the other hand, IPL giant and CSK great <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ms-dhoni" rel="dofollow">MS Dhoni</a>, 43, rolled back years with a spicy stumping to dismiss SKY in the first innings.</p>
<h2>Rohit&rsquo;s unwanted record</h2>
<p>Rohit has been searching for form lately. Although his ODI hundred against England during the February series and a match-winning 76 against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final are two standout knocks, the ageing Indian captain hasn&rsquo;t been in his element for a long time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Against CSK on Sunday, Rohit became the second-most capped player (258th appearance) in the competition history but concurrently registered an unwanted record besides his name.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-ishan-kishan-enjoys-freedom-at-srh-after-rr-mauling-credits-captain-cummins-and-management-for-trust-8883229" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Kishan enjoys &lsquo;freedom at SRH&rsquo;; credits Cummins and management for trusting him</a></strong></p>
<p>Opening alongside MI&rsquo;s latest debutant, Ryan Rickelton, Rohit faced the new ball, and before he could get into his groove, he hit one straight to mid-wicket. His four-ball zero meant he has gotten out on a duck in the IPL for the record 18th time &ndash; the joint-most alongside Glenn Maxwell and former keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik. Piyush Chawla is fourth on the list (16) and KKR&rsquo;s Sunil Narine is fifth with the same number of ducks.</p>
<h3>Watch -</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8lwiqlc-l34gn2qg-5p1eie6n">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How's that for a start <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSK</a> fans? 💛<br><br>Khaleel Ahmed strikes twice in the powerplay with huge wickets of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton 💪<br><br>Updates ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/QlMj4G6N5s">https://t.co/QlMj4G6N5s</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvMI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/jlAqdehRCq">pic.twitter.com/jlAqdehRCq</a></p>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1903813535903211711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>Meanwhile, it was Rohit&rsquo;s first T20 match since the T20 World Cup Final in Barbados last year. Since winning the second T20 WC in the Americas, Rohit was among the three Indian stars to announce their retirements from this format.</p>
<h3>Dhoni rolls back years</h3>
<p>IPL giant MS Dhoni was back playing competitive cricket for the first time since the last season, and even after getting a year older, he didn&rsquo;t let his reflexes disappoint him.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/csk-vs-mi-why-should-we-even-ms-dhonis-ipl-retirement-question-irks-sunil-gavaskar-8882638" rel="dofollow">CSK vs MI: 'Why should we even...,' MS Dhoni&rsquo;s IPL retirement question irks Gavaskar</a></strong></p>
<p>Keeping wickets as he always does, Dhoni produced magic to dismiss MI&rsquo;s stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav.&nbsp;</p>
<p>SKY misread Noor Ahmed&rsquo;s wrong-un, only for Dhoni to collect the ball and dislaunch the bails quickly before SKY could return to the crease. Just after Dhoni affected a successful stumping, the crowd went crazy; Suryakumar walked back to the pavilion without waiting for the third umpire&rsquo;s call.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Watch -</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8lw9n9l-geg86fnh-rfig127c">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩. 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝙈𝙎 𝘿𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙞 🫡<br><br>📹 Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSK</a> legend's jaw-dropping reflexes behind the stumps 🔥<br><br>Updates ▶ <a href="https://t.co/QlMj4G7kV0">https://t.co/QlMj4G7kV0</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvMI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/S26cUYzRd8">pic.twitter.com/S26cUYzRd8</a></p>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1903829068996632608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>Meanwhile, Mumbai scored 155 for nine in the first innings.&nbsp;</p>

Cricket, Sports: Against CSK on Sunday, Rohit became the second-most capped player in IPL history but concurrently registered an unwanted record besides his name.

Plenty happened inside the first two hours of CSK vs MI's marquee IPL 2025 clash in Chennai on Sunday evening. The IPL’s El-Clasico got underway with Mumbai Indians veteran and former captain Rohit Sharma getting out on a four-ball duck to Khaleel Ahmed, registering an unwanted record. On the other hand, IPL giant and CSK great MS Dhoni, 43, rolled back years with a spicy stumping to dismiss SKY in the first innings. Rohit’s unwanted record Rohit has been searching for form lately. Although his ODI hundred against England during the February series and a match-winning 76 against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final are two standout knocks, the ageing Indian captain hasn’t been in his element for a long time. Against CSK on Sunday, Rohit became the second-most capped player (258th appearance) in the competition history but concurrently registered an unwanted record besides his name. Also read | IPL 2025: Kishan enjoys ‘freedom at SRH’; credits Cummins and management for trusting him Opening alongside MI’s latest debutant, Ryan Rickelton, Rohit faced the new ball, and before he could get into his groove, he hit one straight to mid-wicket. His four-ball zero meant he has gotten out on a duck in the IPL for the record 18th time – the joint-most alongside Glenn Maxwell and former keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik. Piyush Chawla is fourth on the list (16) and KKR’s Sunil Narine is fifth with the same number of ducks. Watch - How's that for a start #CSK fans? 💛 Khaleel Ahmed strikes twice in the powerplay with huge wickets of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton 💪 Updates ▶️ https://t.co/QlMj4G6N5s#TATAIPL | #CSKvMI | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/jlAqdehRCq — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 23, 2025 Meanwhile, it was Rohit’s first T20 match since the T20 World Cup Final in Barbados last year. Since winning the second T20 WC in the Americas, Rohit was among the three Indian stars to announce their retirements from this format. Dhoni rolls back years IPL giant MS Dhoni was back playing competitive cricket for the first time since the last season, and even after getting a year older, he didn’t let his reflexes disappoint him. Also read | CSK vs MI: 'Why should we even...,' MS Dhoni’s IPL retirement question irks Gavaskar Keeping wickets as he always does, Dhoni produced magic to dismiss MI’s stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav. SKY misread Noor Ahmed’s wrong-un, only for Dhoni to collect the ball and dislaunch the bails quickly before SKY could return to the crease. Just after Dhoni affected a successful stumping, the crowd went crazy; Suryakumar walked back to the pavilion without waiting for the third umpire’s call. Watch - 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩. 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝙈𝙎 𝘿𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙞 🫡 📹 Watch #CSK legend's jaw-dropping reflexes behind the stumps 🔥 Updates ▶ https://t.co/QlMj4G7kV0#TATAIPL | #CSKvMI | @ChennaiIPL | @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/S26cUYzRd8 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 23, 2025 Meanwhile, Mumbai scored 155 for nine in the first innings.

CSK vs MI: Rohit attains unwanted record; MS Dhoni rolls back years with spicy stumping – Watch

<p data-start="121" data-end="478">The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/board-of-control-for-cricket-in-india">Board of Control for Cricket in India</a> (BCCI) is reportedly exploring a more flexible approach to its policy regarding players&rsquo; families accompanying them on international tours. According to BCCI sources, players who wish to have their families with them for an extended period overseas may soon be able to apply for special permission from the board.</p>
<p data-start="480" data-end="826">This potential policy shift comes after Indian cricket stalwart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> highlighted the emotional toll of prolonged tours during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit. Kohli emphasised the importance of a strong support system, saying that no player wants to 'sit alone and sulk' after a poor performance.</p>
<p data-start="480" data-end="826"><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-we-are-here-to-entertain-and-most-importantly-to-win-says-pbks-head-coach-ricky-ponting-8866442">IPL 2025 | 'We are here to entertain and, most importantly, to win', says PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting</a></strong></p>
<p data-start="828" data-end="1174">"It is very difficult to explain how grounding it is to return to your family after something intense happens on the field," Kohli said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. "People don&rsquo;t fully understand the value of that. It&rsquo;s disappointing when external voices suggest keeping families away as if they have any control over what happens on the field."</p>
<h2 data-start="828" data-end="1174">'Having family life is essential'</h2>
<p data-start="1176" data-end="1519">Kohli further stressed that he never wants to miss an opportunity to spend time with his loved ones. &ldquo;Life is constantly evolving, and having a normal family life is essential. After fulfilling my professional responsibilities, coming back to my family brings me immense pleasure. I would never pass up the chance to be with them,&rdquo; he added.</p>
<p data-start="1521" data-end="1775">Currently, the BCCI allows limited family presence on tours, with restrictions varying based on the series, venue, and schedule. However, as discussions around mental well-being in sports gain momentum, the board appears to be reconsidering its stance.</p>
<p data-start="1777" data-end="2126">While no official confirmation has been made, sources suggest that under the proposed framework, players would need to submit requests to the BCCI for approval. With the international cricket calendar packed with major <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc">ICC</a> events and bilateral series, this change could offer players a better balance between their professional and personal lives.</p>
<p data-start="1777" data-end="2126"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Kohli emphasised the importance of a strong support system, saying that no player wants to 'sit alone and sulk' after a poor performance

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly exploring a more flexible approach to its policy regarding players’ families accompanying them on international tours. According to BCCI sources, players who wish to have their families with them for an extended period overseas may soon be able to apply for special permission from the board. This potential policy shift comes after Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli highlighted the emotional toll of prolonged tours during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit. Kohli emphasised the importance of a strong support system, saying that no player wants to 'sit alone and sulk' after a poor performance. Also Read: IPL 2025 | 'We are here to entertain and, most importantly, to win', says PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting "It is very difficult to explain how grounding it is to return to your family after something intense happens on the field," Kohli said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. "People don’t fully understand the value of that. It’s disappointing when external voices suggest keeping families away as if they have any control over what happens on the field." 'Having family life is essential' Kohli further stressed that he never wants to miss an opportunity to spend time with his loved ones. “Life is constantly evolving, and having a normal family life is essential. After fulfilling my professional responsibilities, coming back to my family brings me immense pleasure. I would never pass up the chance to be with them,” he added. Currently, the BCCI allows limited family presence on tours, with restrictions varying based on the series, venue, and schedule. However, as discussions around mental well-being in sports gain momentum, the board appears to be reconsidering its stance. While no official confirmation has been made, sources suggest that under the proposed framework, players would need to submit requests to the BCCI for approval. With the international cricket calendar packed with major ICC events and bilateral series, this change could offer players a better balance between their professional and personal lives. (With inputs from agencies)

BCCI considering flexible policy on players’ families travel during tours: Reports

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> will lead India in England Tests later this year. After guiding India to its third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">ICC Champions Trophy</a> title in Dubai, Rohit will continue as the Test captain for the five-match Test series against England from June to August. Amid retirement rumours, which he squashed shortly after lifting his second ICC title in two years, Rohit will retain his place in the Test side.</p>
<p>Rohit had a horrid run in the lead-up to the first showpiece event of the year, failing massively as a player and captain in two back-to-back Test series (against New Zealand at home and Australia Down Under). Under his leadership, India got whitewashed at home for the first time in history, with Australia reclaiming the BGT a decade later.</p>
<p>His performance was as timid as his chances of playing for India again since January this year - so much so that Rohit had to sit out of the final Test against the Oz in Sydney, which India lost within three days, conceding the away BGT for the first time in ten years and a chance to qualify for its third straight WTC Final.</p>
<p>He, however, transformed his batting before the eight-team tournament got underway, and even though he failed to convert his starts in all matches leading up to the final, he scored a match-winning 76 against New Zealand in the summit clash, helping India beat the Kiwis by four wickets and win the title.</p>
<p>Although reports before the grand final suggested a different story, after Rohit guided India home, it changed to an extent where Rohit got the BCCI and the selectors&rsquo; backing to lead India in another major tournament - the England Tests.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-has-no-reason-to-retire-ab-de-villiers-throws-weight-behind-indias-almost-most-successful-captain-8849565" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;He has no reason to retire,&rsquo; de Villiers throws weight behind Rohit, India&rsquo;s almost &lsquo;most successful captain&rsquo;</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;He has shown what he can do. Every stakeholder feels that he is the right candidate to lead the Indian side for the tour of England. Rohit too has expressed his eagerness to keep playing red-ball cricket,&rdquo; a source close to the information said in a chat with the Indian Express.</p>
<h2>Retirement rumours &ndash; all up in the air</h2>
<p>Several reports of Rohit contemplating announcing his international retirement after the Champions Trophy final kept the fans on their toes; the Indian skipper smashed them out of the park the way he did it to the Kiwi bowlers in the final in Dubai.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Although he remained committed to delivering for Indian cricket across formats, he kept mum about his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/it-is-too-far-india-skipper-rohit-sharma-opens-up-on-playing-2027-odi-world-cup-8846074" rel="dofollow">chances of featuring in the next ODI World Cup</a> a couple of years later.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Right now, I&rsquo;m playing really well, and I&rsquo;m enjoying everything I&rsquo;m doing with this team and the team is enjoying my company as well, which is nice. I can&rsquo;t really say 2027 because it&rsquo;s too far, but I&rsquo;m keeping all my options open,&rdquo; Rohit said in a post-match presser.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s something that really makes me happy. There are a lot of things involved, there&rsquo;s so much pride and the way this team is playing, I don&rsquo;t want to leave this team. The way we are playing at this point in time, there is so much joy, so much fun to play with all of them,&rdquo; he added.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Sports, Cricket: Under Rohit Sharma's leadership, India lost the home Test series to New Zealand before conceding the away BGT for the first time in a decade.

Rohit Sharma will lead India in England Tests later this year. After guiding India to its third ICC Champions Trophy title in Dubai, Rohit will continue as the Test captain for the five-match Test series against England from June to August. Amid retirement rumours, which he squashed shortly after lifting his second ICC title in two years, Rohit will retain his place in the Test side. Rohit had a horrid run in the lead-up to the first showpiece event of the year, failing massively as a player and captain in two back-to-back Test series (against New Zealand at home and Australia Down Under). Under his leadership, India got whitewashed at home for the first time in history, with Australia reclaiming the BGT a decade later. His performance was as timid as his chances of playing for India again since January this year - so much so that Rohit had to sit out of the final Test against the Oz in Sydney, which India lost within three days, conceding the away BGT for the first time in ten years and a chance to qualify for its third straight WTC Final. He, however, transformed his batting before the eight-team tournament got underway, and even though he failed to convert his starts in all matches leading up to the final, he scored a match-winning 76 against New Zealand in the summit clash, helping India beat the Kiwis by four wickets and win the title. Although reports before the grand final suggested a different story, after Rohit guided India home, it changed to an extent where Rohit got the BCCI and the selectors’ backing to lead India in another major tournament - the England Tests. Also read | ‘He has no reason to retire,’ de Villiers throws weight behind Rohit, India’s almost ‘most successful captain’ “He has shown what he can do. Every stakeholder feels that he is the right candidate to lead the Indian side for the tour of England. Rohit too has expressed his eagerness to keep playing red-ball cricket,” a source close to the information said in a chat with the Indian Express. Retirement rumours – all up in the air Several reports of Rohit contemplating announcing his international retirement after the Champions Trophy final kept the fans on their toes; the Indian skipper smashed them out of the park the way he did it to the Kiwi bowlers in the final in Dubai. Although he remained committed to delivering for Indian cricket across formats, he kept mum about his chances of featuring in the next ODI World Cup a couple of years later. “Right now, I’m playing really well, and I’m enjoying everything I’m doing with this team and the team is enjoying my company as well, which is nice. I can’t really say 2027 because it’s too far, but I’m keeping all my options open,” Rohit said in a post-match presser. “It’s something that really makes me happy. There are a lot of things involved, there’s so much pride and the way this team is playing, I don’t want to leave this team. The way we are playing at this point in time, there is so much joy, so much fun to play with all of them,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

After squashing retirement rumours, Rohit to lead India in England Tests – Report

<p>Former Australia great Glenn McGrath has dismissed the 'unfair advantage' talks regarding India playing all their matches in Dubai during the recently-concluded Champions Trophy 2025. India eventually won the title, their second ICC trophy in as many years after winning the T20 World Cup in South Africa last year.</p>
<p>"It is the way it is. India does not travel to Pakistan anymore. There was only one other thing &mdash; the matches had to be played to the conditions. They know how to play on spinning tracks. I do not think that they had an unfair advantage. It is like saying there is an unfair advantage if India play all their matches in India, if Australia play all their matches in Australia," said McGrath as reported by Times of India newspaper.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/there-will-be-grass-and-moisture-ex-india-batter-navjot-sidhu-worried-about-ipl-2025-read-why-8850579">'There will be grass and moisture': Ex-India batter Navjot Sidhu worried about IPL 2025 - READ WHY</a></p>
<p>The former Aussie also praised India for playing well, especially spin, which has been India's shortcoming in the recent past.</p>
<p>"They were the team to beat and they played well. Virat Kohli came back to form, as did the other guys. Australia had their chances in the semifinal, obviously, we had a few of our bowlers who were out. The pitches took spin, and India played well," he added.</p>
<p>With the win, India became the only team in history with at least two trophies in each of the white-ball ICC events. They now have a total of seven ICC trophies - second most behind Australia's 10.</p>
<p>India's first ICC trophy came in 1983 when Kapil Dev led them to the maiden ODI World Cup. For their second ODI WC win, India had to wait 28 years until MS Dhoni won the 2011 edition. In 2002, India did get a Champions Trophy but it was shared with Sri Lanka.</p>
<p>In 2013 came India's next 50-over ICC tournament trophy, with Dhoni leading the team to Champions Trophy. In between, Dhoni also won a T20 World Cup in 2007. And it is now Rohit who won two back-to-back trophies - 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.</p>

Former Aussie bowler Glenn McGrath also praised India for playing well, especially spin, which has been India's shortcoming in the recent past. Cricket Sports

Former Australia great Glenn McGrath has dismissed the 'unfair advantage' talks regarding India playing all their matches in Dubai during the recently-concluded Champions Trophy 2025. India eventually won the title, their second ICC trophy in as many years after winning the T20 World Cup in South Africa last year. "It is the way it is. India does not travel to Pakistan anymore. There was only one other thing — the matches had to be played to the conditions. They know how to play on spinning tracks. I do not think that they had an unfair advantage. It is like saying there is an unfair advantage if India play all their matches in India, if Australia play all their matches in Australia," said McGrath as reported by Times of India newspaper. Also Read: 'There will be grass and moisture': Ex-India batter Navjot Sidhu worried about IPL 2025 - READ WHY The former Aussie also praised India for playing well, especially spin, which has been India's shortcoming in the recent past. "They were the team to beat and they played well. Virat Kohli came back to form, as did the other guys. Australia had their chances in the semifinal, obviously, we had a few of our bowlers who were out. The pitches took spin, and India played well," he added. With the win, India became the only team in history with at least two trophies in each of the white-ball ICC events. They now have a total of seven ICC trophies - second most behind Australia's 10. India's first ICC trophy came in 1983 when Kapil Dev led them to the maiden ODI World Cup. For their second ODI WC win, India had to wait 28 years until MS Dhoni won the 2011 edition. In 2002, India did get a Champions Trophy but it was shared with Sri Lanka. In 2013 came India's next 50-over ICC tournament trophy, with Dhoni leading the team to Champions Trophy. In between, Dhoni also won a T20 World Cup in 2007. And it is now Rohit who won two back-to-back trophies - 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.

'Unfair advantage if...,' Aussie great McGrath shuts down doubters after India's Champions Trophy win

<p>India ODI captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-dismisses-retirement-rumours-after-dubais-champions-trophy-showdown-8837705" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma squashed all talk of his potential retirement rumours</a> after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, saying he is going nowhere. Rohit, 37, helped India win its third ICC Champions Trophy title, becoming the most successful team in the competition&rsquo;s history. However, amid all the talks around him hanging his boots, he received support from a star player from a faraway land,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ab-de-villiers" rel="dofollow">AB de Villiers</a>.</p>
<p>De Villiers, who played against Rohit for most of his career, hailed him for his leadership skills and finding his lost touch. Rohit was out of form in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy final, which India won by beating New Zealand by four wickets. However, on the D-day, he was the one who stepped up and scored a match-winning 76, helping India complete the run chase.</p>
<p>The Protean legend said should Rohit continue to grow at this rate regarding his winning percentage as a captain, he will soon go down in history as one of the greatest captains.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/it-is-too-far-india-skipper-rohit-sharma-opens-up-on-playing-2027-odi-world-cup-8846074" rel="dofollow">'It's too far': India skipper Rohit Sharma opens up on playing 2027 ODI World Cup</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;Compared to other captains, look at Rohit&rsquo;s win percentage, it&rsquo;s almost 74%, which is substantially more than any other captain of the past. If he keeps going, he will go down as one of the best ODI captains of all time. Rohit has also said he is not retiring and has requested that rumours be stopped spreading,&rdquo; de Villers said on his YouTube channel, as quoted by The Indian Express.</p>
<p>Rohit&rsquo;s numbers in ODIs speak for itself. Even on a tricky Dubai pitch where everyone struggled to find runs, Rohit kept the run rate intact at the top, completing a 107-run stand for the first wicket with Shubman Gill, putting India&rsquo;s nose ahead.</p>
<p>Commenting on his ability to score runs when the chips are down, de Villiers said,&nbsp;&ldquo;Why would he retire? With that kind of record, not only as captain but also as a batter. That 76 in the final, giving India a fantastic start, laying the foundation for success and leading from the front when the pressure was at its peak&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>No need to retire</h2>
<p>Rohit&rsquo;s numbers inside the Powerplay overs have risen since 2022, putting him in the greats category. AB said Rohit continues to evolve with time, stamping his authority as one of white-ball&rsquo;s greatest batters.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Rohit Sharma has got no reason to retire. No reason to take any criticism whatsoever. His record speaks for himself. Not only that, but he has also sort of transformed his game.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-how-kkrs-venky-mysore-found-a-captain-in-lost-jewel-ajinkya-rahane-venkatesh-iyer-8849149" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: How KKR&rsquo;s Venky Mysore found a captain in lost jewel Ajinkya Rahane</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;If we have a look at his strike rate in the Powerplay, it was quite low for an opening batter in the Powerplay, but since 2022, his strike rate has rose to 115 in the first Powerplay, and that&rsquo;s the difference between good and great. It&rsquo;s transforming your own game, and it never stops. You have always something to learn and something to do better,&rdquo; he added.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Rohit will ply his trade for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting March 22.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Sports, Cricket: AB said should Rohit continue to grow at this rate regarding his winning percentage as a captain, he will soon go down in history as one of the greatest captains.

India ODI captain Rohit Sharma squashed all talk of his potential retirement rumours after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, saying he is going nowhere. Rohit, 37, helped India win its third ICC Champions Trophy title, becoming the most successful team in the competition’s history. However, amid all the talks around him hanging his boots, he received support from a star player from a faraway land, AB de Villiers. De Villiers, who played against Rohit for most of his career, hailed him for his leadership skills and finding his lost touch. Rohit was out of form in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy final, which India won by beating New Zealand by four wickets. However, on the D-day, he was the one who stepped up and scored a match-winning 76, helping India complete the run chase. The Protean legend said should Rohit continue to grow at this rate regarding his winning percentage as a captain, he will soon go down in history as one of the greatest captains. Also read | 'It's too far': India skipper Rohit Sharma opens up on playing 2027 ODI World Cup “Compared to other captains, look at Rohit’s win percentage, it’s almost 74%, which is substantially more than any other captain of the past. If he keeps going, he will go down as one of the best ODI captains of all time. Rohit has also said he is not retiring and has requested that rumours be stopped spreading,” de Villers said on his YouTube channel, as quoted by The Indian Express. Rohit’s numbers in ODIs speak for itself. Even on a tricky Dubai pitch where everyone struggled to find runs, Rohit kept the run rate intact at the top, completing a 107-run stand for the first wicket with Shubman Gill, putting India’s nose ahead. Commenting on his ability to score runs when the chips are down, de Villiers said, “Why would he retire? With that kind of record, not only as captain but also as a batter. That 76 in the final, giving India a fantastic start, laying the foundation for success and leading from the front when the pressure was at its peak”. No need to retire Rohit’s numbers inside the Powerplay overs have risen since 2022, putting him in the greats category. AB said Rohit continues to evolve with time, stamping his authority as one of white-ball’s greatest batters. “Rohit Sharma has got no reason to retire. No reason to take any criticism whatsoever. His record speaks for himself. Not only that, but he has also sort of transformed his game. Also read | IPL 2025: How KKR’s Venky Mysore found a captain in lost jewel Ajinkya Rahane “If we have a look at his strike rate in the Powerplay, it was quite low for an opening batter in the Powerplay, but since 2022, his strike rate has rose to 115 in the first Powerplay, and that’s the difference between good and great. It’s transforming your own game, and it never stops. You have always something to learn and something to do better,” he added. Meanwhile, Rohit will ply his trade for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting March 22. (With inputs from agencies)

‘He has no reason to retire,’ de Villiers throws weight behind Rohit, India’s almost ‘most successful captain’

<p>India ODI and Test skipper Rohit Sharma says that he's keeping his options open for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The statement comes after he categorically denied retiring from the ODI format following India's Champions Trophy title win on March 9.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"It's very hard to say that right now. But I'm keeping all my options open. Right now I'm playing really well. I'm enjoying everything that I'm doing with this team and the team is enjoying my company as well. I can't say anything about 2027, it's too far. As long as I'm enjoying, I will continue to play," said Rohit as reported by ESPNCricinfo via ICC.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/give-him-a-break-ex-mi-bowling-coach-says-another-injury-in-the-same-spot-could-be-career-ender-for-bumrah-8845841">'Give him a break': Ex-MI bowling coach says 'another injury in the same spot could be career-ender' for Bumrah</a></p>
<p>After India had won T20 World Cup 2024 last year, both Rohit and Virat Kohli along with Ravindra Jadeja had announced their retirement from the format. This time though, the duo have decided to keep going on. Rohit, meanwhile, was under sharp scrutiny following his poor form on the Test tour of Australia prior to the Champions Trophy 2025.</p>
<p>Under Rohit, India reached World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 Final, ODI World Cup 2023 Final, T20 World Cup 2024 Final and Champions Trophy 2025 Final as well. He is the first captain in the world to reach the finals of all the ICC tournaments.</p>
<p>As for the wins, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy - they, however, lost the WTC and ODI WC Finals to Australia.</p>
<p>As Rohit has made it clear that he won't be retiring anytime soon, India now can focus on future without worrying too much about the ODI squad. The ICC tournament is T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026 with India's squad more or less set under Suryakumar Yadav.</p>
<p>After the T20 World Cup in 2026, India would then shift its focus on the ODI World Cup 2027 - which as Rohit rightly said is 'too far.'</p>

Under Rohit, India reached the final of WTC 2023 Final, ODI World Cup 2023 Final, T20 World Cup 2024 Final and Champions Trophy 2025 Final as well.  Cricket Sports

India ODI and Test skipper Rohit Sharma says that he's keeping his options open for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The statement comes after he categorically denied retiring from the ODI format following India's Champions Trophy title win on March 9. "It's very hard to say that right now. But I'm keeping all my options open. Right now I'm playing really well. I'm enjoying everything that I'm doing with this team and the team is enjoying my company as well. I can't say anything about 2027, it's too far. As long as I'm enjoying, I will continue to play," said Rohit as reported by ESPNCricinfo via ICC. Also Read: 'Give him a break': Ex-MI bowling coach says 'another injury in the same spot could be career-ender' for Bumrah After India had won T20 World Cup 2024 last year, both Rohit and Virat Kohli along with Ravindra Jadeja had announced their retirement from the format. This time though, the duo have decided to keep going on. Rohit, meanwhile, was under sharp scrutiny following his poor form on the Test tour of Australia prior to the Champions Trophy 2025. Under Rohit, India reached World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 Final, ODI World Cup 2023 Final, T20 World Cup 2024 Final and Champions Trophy 2025 Final as well. He is the first captain in the world to reach the finals of all the ICC tournaments. As for the wins, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy - they, however, lost the WTC and ODI WC Finals to Australia. As Rohit has made it clear that he won't be retiring anytime soon, India now can focus on future without worrying too much about the ODI squad. The ICC tournament is T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026 with India's squad more or less set under Suryakumar Yadav. After the T20 World Cup in 2026, India would then shift its focus on the ODI World Cup 2027 - which as Rohit rightly said is 'too far.'

'It's too far': India skipper Rohit Sharma opens up on playing 2027 ODI World Cup

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed Rohit Sharma to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup after leading India to win in the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025. On Sunday, India beat New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy to lift a record third title in the coveted ICC tournament. Rohit was instrumental in the final as he scored 76 off 83, helping India clinch the Champions Trophy after 12 years.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Rohit is backed by Ricky Ponting</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">"When you start getting to that point of your career, everyone's waiting for you to retire. And I don't know why, when you can still play as well as he's played (in the Champions Trophy final), I think he was just trying to put those questions to bed once and for all and say, 'no, I'm still playing well enough. I love playing in this team. I love leading this team.'</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">"And I think, the fact that he said that, to me, it means that he must have that goal in mind of playing in the next (50-over) World Cup (in 2027)," said Ponting while speaking in the latest edition of the ICC Review.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-utd-new-stadium-plans-where-will-the-red-devils-play-as-club-sets-sight-on-new-trafford-know-more-8844966" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Man Utd new stadium plans: Where will the Red Devils play as club sets sight on 'New Trafford'? Know More</a></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The Indian team has been in sensational form in recent times, reaching four ICC finals under Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s captaincy. The Men in Blue lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia, while the same opposition got the better of them in the World Test Championship (WTC) in the same year. Adding to the impressive showing, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean Islands in June before lifting the Champions Trophy on Sunday.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">By the time the 2027 ODI World Cup kicks off in South Africa, Rohit will be 40, meaning it is highly unlikely that he could be part of the Indian team. However, for now, Rohit has ruled out any possibility of retirement, as stated by Rohit during his post-match press conference on Sunday.</p>

Sports, Cricket: Ricky Ponting has backed Rohit Sharma to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup after leading India to win in the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed Rohit Sharma to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup after leading India to win in the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025. On Sunday, India beat New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy to lift a record third title in the coveted ICC tournament. Rohit was instrumental in the final as he scored 76 off 83, helping India clinch the Champions Trophy after 12 years. Rohit is backed by Ricky Ponting "When you start getting to that point of your career, everyone's waiting for you to retire. And I don't know why, when you can still play as well as he's played (in the Champions Trophy final), I think he was just trying to put those questions to bed once and for all and say, 'no, I'm still playing well enough. I love playing in this team. I love leading this team.' "And I think, the fact that he said that, to me, it means that he must have that goal in mind of playing in the next (50-over) World Cup (in 2027)," said Ponting while speaking in the latest edition of the ICC Review. ALSO READ | Man Utd new stadium plans: Where will the Red Devils play as club sets sight on 'New Trafford'? Know More The Indian team has been in sensational form in recent times, reaching four ICC finals under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. The Men in Blue lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia, while the same opposition got the better of them in the World Test Championship (WTC) in the same year. Adding to the impressive showing, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean Islands in June before lifting the Champions Trophy on Sunday. By the time the 2027 ODI World Cup kicks off in South Africa, Rohit will be 40, meaning it is highly unlikely that he could be part of the Indian team. However, for now, Rohit has ruled out any possibility of retirement, as stated by Rohit during his post-match press conference on Sunday.

Ricky Ponting backs Rohit Sharma to feature in 2027 ODI World Cup, says 'he must have that goal'

<p>Indian captain Rohit Sharma returned home from Dubai to a hero's welcome by a sea of fans who flooded Mumbai&rsquo;s airport late Monday evening (Mar 10). Rohit-led Indian Team made light work of New Zealand in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025</a> final on Sunday, beating them by four wickets to take home the second ICC title in two years. For his blistering 76 while chasing, Rohit won the Player of the Match award in the final.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-jay-shah-pose-with-twin-icc-titles-after-indias-champions-trophy-hurray-watch-8840711" rel="dofollow">Rohit-Jay Shah pose with twin ICC titles after India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy hurray - Watch</a></strong></p>
<p>A legion of fans welcomed Rohit as he left the Mumbai airport. Wearing a casual black t-shirt and a cap, Rohit waved at the fans, with security helping him walk straight towards his car as he left the airport.</p>
<h3>Watch the video &ndash;</h3>
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<h2>Rohit&rsquo;s masterclass in Dubai</h2>
<p>The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had agreed to host the Champions Trophy 2025 in a hybrid model, with the host board and the ICC picking Dubai as a neutral venue for all India games.</p>
<p>Unlike the remaining participating teams, including the host Pakistan, who had to travel across different cities, stay at different hotels, and train and play at separate venues throughout, India enjoyed the privilege of putting up at one place and playing all its matches in Dubai, including the knockouts.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/no-bus-parade-for-indian-team-after-champions-trophy-2025-win-know-why-8840322" rel="dofollow">No bus parade for Indian Team after Champions Trophy 2025 win, know why</a></strong></p>
<p>Knowing they can pick a squad accordingly, India made last-minute changes by dropping opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and roping in seamer Harshit Rana as injured Jasprit Bumrah&rsquo;s replacement, with both coming in handy for India in this competition.</p>
<p>While Rana was instrumental in his maiden CT game against Bangladesh, returning with three wickets, Varun emerged as the top bowler for the Men in Blue, picking nine wickets in four matches contested. His best, however, came against New Zealand in the group stage when he picked his first five-wicket haul.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/winning-captain-rohit-sharma-misses-cut-in-iccs-champions-trophy-team-of-the-tournament-8840507" rel="dofollow">Winning captain Rohit Sharma misses cut in ICC&rsquo;s Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament</a></strong></p>
<p>Besides them, India&rsquo;s playing XI and, importantly, the playing template, were impressive throughout, with them winning all matches.&nbsp;</p>
<p>India bowled first against the Kiwis in the finale, restricting New Zealand to 251 for seven in 50 overs. India&rsquo;s chase was as good as their winning run, with openers adding 107 for the first wicket. Though India lost Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli quickly, Rohit departed soon after, but only after impressing with his 76 at the top.</p>
<p>India faced a few hiccups at the end but avoided a heartbreak as they chased 252 with six balls and four wickets remaining.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Sports, Cricket: For his blistering 76 while chasing, Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the Player of the Match award in the Champions Trophy 2025 Final in Dubai.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma returned home from Dubai to a hero's welcome by a sea of fans who flooded Mumbai’s airport late Monday evening (Mar 10). Rohit-led Indian Team made light work of New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final on Sunday, beating them by four wickets to take home the second ICC title in two years. For his blistering 76 while chasing, Rohit won the Player of the Match award in the final. Also read | Rohit-Jay Shah pose with twin ICC titles after India’s Champions Trophy hurray - Watch A legion of fans welcomed Rohit as he left the Mumbai airport. Wearing a casual black t-shirt and a cap, Rohit waved at the fans, with security helping him walk straight towards his car as he left the airport. Watch the video – View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mumbai Indians (@mumbaiindians) Rohit’s masterclass in Dubai The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had agreed to host the Champions Trophy 2025 in a hybrid model, with the host board and the ICC picking Dubai as a neutral venue for all India games. Unlike the remaining participating teams, including the host Pakistan, who had to travel across different cities, stay at different hotels, and train and play at separate venues throughout, India enjoyed the privilege of putting up at one place and playing all its matches in Dubai, including the knockouts. Also read | No bus parade for Indian Team after Champions Trophy 2025 win, know why Knowing they can pick a squad accordingly, India made last-minute changes by dropping opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and roping in seamer Harshit Rana as injured Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement, with both coming in handy for India in this competition. While Rana was instrumental in his maiden CT game against Bangladesh, returning with three wickets, Varun emerged as the top bowler for the Men in Blue, picking nine wickets in four matches contested. His best, however, came against New Zealand in the group stage when he picked his first five-wicket haul. Also read | Winning captain Rohit Sharma misses cut in ICC’s Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament Besides them, India’s playing XI and, importantly, the playing template, were impressive throughout, with them winning all matches. India bowled first against the Kiwis in the finale, restricting New Zealand to 251 for seven in 50 overs. India’s chase was as good as their winning run, with openers adding 107 for the first wicket. Though India lost Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli quickly, Rohit departed soon after, but only after impressing with his 76 at the top. India faced a few hiccups at the end but avoided a heartbreak as they chased 252 with six balls and four wickets remaining. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch - Rohit Sharma returns home to massive reception after Champions Trophy win

<p>Indian captain Rohit Sharma and ICC chairman Jay Shah posed with twin trophies India won back-to-back, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">ICC Champions Trophy 2025</a> title. India beat New Zealand by four wickets in a pulsating final in Dubai, clinching their third Champions Trophy title and becoming the most successful team in this competition's history.</p>
<p>India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy success came a year after they finally ended their ICC trophy drought by lifting their second T20 World Cup title in the Americas. India came close to winning an ICC title several times before, including twice before the T20 WC triumph, failing to do so on all occasions.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/winning-captain-rohit-sharma-misses-cut-in-iccs-champions-trophy-team-of-the-tournament-8840507" rel="dofollow">Winning captain Rohit Sharma misses cut in ICC&rsquo;s Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament</a></strong></p>
<p>They, however, kept their nerves and pulled off two massive title wins in two years, adding it to their already-decorated trophy cabinet.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, hours after India was crowned the Champions Trophy 2025 winner, Rohit and Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary, posed with the two trophies, as shown in a video released by the ICC on Monday.</p>
<h3>Watch the video &ndash;</h3>
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<h2>What&rsquo;s next for Rohit?</h2>
<p>Amid all rumours of Rohit potentially announcing his international retirement just after the Champions Trophy 2025, regardless of the result, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-dismisses-retirement-rumours-after-dubais-champions-trophy-showdown-8837705" rel="dofollow">Indian captain squashed all such reports</a> in the post-match presser. Addressing the media, Rohit said he is not going anywhere but kept mum over his participation in the next ODI World Cup, scheduled two years later in Africa.</p>
<p>Rohit said he wishes to play good cricket and deliver for his team rather than drawing a deadline on his playing career.</p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;Right now, I am taking things as they come. It wouldn&rsquo;t be fair for me to think too far ahead. At this moment, my focus is on playing well and maintaining the right mindset. I don&rsquo;t want to draw any lines and say whether I will or won&rsquo;t play in the 2027 World Cup. There&rsquo;s no point in making such statements right now. Realistically, I have always taken my career one step at a time,&rdquo; Rohit said at the post-game presser.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t like thinking too far into the future, and I haven&rsquo;t done so in the past either. For now, I am enjoying my cricket and the time I spend with this team. I hope my teammates enjoy my presence as well. That&rsquo;s all that matters at this point,&rdquo; he added.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Rohit will feature for the Mumbai Indians next in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting March 22.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: India’s Champions Trophy success came a year after they finally ended their ICC trophy drought by lifting their second T20 World Cup title in the Americas.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma and ICC chairman Jay Shah posed with twin trophies India won back-to-back, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title. India beat New Zealand by four wickets in a pulsating final in Dubai, clinching their third Champions Trophy title and becoming the most successful team in this competition's history. India’s Champions Trophy success came a year after they finally ended their ICC trophy drought by lifting their second T20 World Cup title in the Americas. India came close to winning an ICC title several times before, including twice before the T20 WC triumph, failing to do so on all occasions. Also read | Winning captain Rohit Sharma misses cut in ICC’s Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament They, however, kept their nerves and pulled off two massive title wins in two years, adding it to their already-decorated trophy cabinet. Meanwhile, hours after India was crowned the Champions Trophy 2025 winner, Rohit and Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary, posed with the two trophies, as shown in a video released by the ICC on Monday. Watch the video – View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) What’s next for Rohit? Amid all rumours of Rohit potentially announcing his international retirement just after the Champions Trophy 2025, regardless of the result, the Indian captain squashed all such reports in the post-match presser. Addressing the media, Rohit said he is not going anywhere but kept mum over his participation in the next ODI World Cup, scheduled two years later in Africa. Rohit said he wishes to play good cricket and deliver for his team rather than drawing a deadline on his playing career. Also read | Fans made Dubai a home ground for us: Rohit Sharma on India’s Champions Trophy win “Right now, I am taking things as they come. It wouldn’t be fair for me to think too far ahead. At this moment, my focus is on playing well and maintaining the right mindset. I don’t want to draw any lines and say whether I will or won’t play in the 2027 World Cup. There’s no point in making such statements right now. Realistically, I have always taken my career one step at a time,” Rohit said at the post-game presser. “I don’t like thinking too far into the future, and I haven’t done so in the past either. For now, I am enjoying my cricket and the time I spend with this team. I hope my teammates enjoy my presence as well. That’s all that matters at this point,” he added. Meanwhile, Rohit will feature for the Mumbai Indians next in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting March 22. (With inputs from agencies)

Rohit-Jay Shah pose with twin ICC titles after India’s Champions Trophy hurray - Watch

<p>Rohit Sharma might have led India to a monumental win in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">ICC Champions Trophy</a> 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai but he missed out on getting picked in ICC&rsquo;s Team of the Tournament announced Monday evening. His counterpart, the Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner, leads the best XI picked by a selection panel of commentators and former international players.</p>
<p>India clinched its third ICC Champions Trophy title on Sunday in Dubai, becoming the most successful team in this competition's history. Overall, they are only second to Australia (10) on the list of teams to win most ICC titles (7) across formats. Moreover, India remained unbeaten in five contested matches this edition, completing 22 wins in 23 games played across the last three ICC events, all under Rohit&rsquo;s captaincy.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/how-rohits-indian-team-became-almost-invincible-like-arsenal-of-0304-in-champions-trophy-triumph-8839944" rel="dofollow">How Rohit's Indian Team became almost &lsquo;Invincible like Arsenal of 03/04' in Champions Trophy triumph</a></strong></p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Player of the Tournament, Rachin Ravindra, is among four Kiwi players picked in the best XI, with two from Afghanistan and the remaining five from the winning outfit, India.</p>
<p>Ravindra is picked as an opener, a position he peaked at, having completed all of his five ODI hundreds in ICC events, with rookie Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran partnering him. Against England during the group stage tie, Zadran slammed the highest individual score in this tournament&mdash;177, helping Afghanistan stun England for the second time in a 50-over ICC event.</p>
<p>At three, ace India batter Virat Kohli is there, with the tournament&rsquo;s highest run-scorer, Shreyas Iyer, occupying the fourth place. The Indian duo made merry while playing at their respective positions during the event, scoring tons of runs and laying platforms for an unbeaten run. Another Indian, gloveman KL Rahul, is picked for the fifth slot, while the <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">best fielder of this generation, Glenn Phillips</a>, made the cut in the sixth slot.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/no-bus-parade-for-indian-team-after-champions-trophy-2025-win-know-why-8840322" rel="dofollow">No bus parade for Indian Team after Champions Trophy 2025 win, know why</a></strong></p>
<p>Afghanistan all-rounder and arguably the best ODI player since last year, Azmatullah Omarzai, was also rewarded for his overall performance this time with a place on the side. Next is the team captain, Santner, who stood at the receiving end in the final, with two seamers, Mohammed Shami and New Zealand&rsquo;s Matt Henry, picked to share new ball duties.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The remaining last spot was awarded to mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, while all-rounder Axar Patel was picked as the 12th man.</p>
<h2>Here is ICC&rsquo;s Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament &ndash;</h2>
<ul>
<li>Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)</li>
<li>Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)</li>
<li>Virat Kohli (India)</li>
<li>Shreyas Iyer (India)</li>
<li>KL Rahul (wk) (India)</li>
<li>Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)</li>
<li>Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)</li>
<li>Mitchell Santner (capt) (New Zealand)</li>
<li>Mohammad Shami (India)</li>
<li>Matt Henry (New Zealand)</li>
<li>Varun Chakravarthy (India)</li>
<li>Axar Patel (India) - 12th man</li>
</ul>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Rohit's counterpart, the Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner, leads the best XI picked by a selection panel of commentators and former international players.

Rohit Sharma might have led India to a monumental win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai but he missed out on getting picked in ICC’s Team of the Tournament announced Monday evening. His counterpart, the Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner, leads the best XI picked by a selection panel of commentators and former international players. India clinched its third ICC Champions Trophy title on Sunday in Dubai, becoming the most successful team in this competition's history. Overall, they are only second to Australia (10) on the list of teams to win most ICC titles (7) across formats. Moreover, India remained unbeaten in five contested matches this edition, completing 22 wins in 23 games played across the last three ICC events, all under Rohit’s captaincy. Also read | How Rohit's Indian Team became almost ‘Invincible like Arsenal of 03/04' in Champions Trophy triumph Meanwhile, the Player of the Tournament, Rachin Ravindra, is among four Kiwi players picked in the best XI, with two from Afghanistan and the remaining five from the winning outfit, India. Ravindra is picked as an opener, a position he peaked at, having completed all of his five ODI hundreds in ICC events, with rookie Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran partnering him. Against England during the group stage tie, Zadran slammed the highest individual score in this tournament—177, helping Afghanistan stun England for the second time in a 50-over ICC event. At three, ace India batter Virat Kohli is there, with the tournament’s highest run-scorer, Shreyas Iyer, occupying the fourth place. The Indian duo made merry while playing at their respective positions during the event, scoring tons of runs and laying platforms for an unbeaten run. Another Indian, gloveman KL Rahul, is picked for the fifth slot, while the best fielder of this generation, Glenn Phillips, made the cut in the sixth slot. Also read | No bus parade for Indian Team after Champions Trophy 2025 win, know why Afghanistan all-rounder and arguably the best ODI player since last year, Azmatullah Omarzai, was also rewarded for his overall performance this time with a place on the side. Next is the team captain, Santner, who stood at the receiving end in the final, with two seamers, Mohammed Shami and New Zealand’s Matt Henry, picked to share new ball duties. The remaining last spot was awarded to mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, while all-rounder Axar Patel was picked as the 12th man. Here is ICC’s Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament – Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) Virat Kohli (India) Shreyas Iyer (India) KL Rahul (wk) (India) Glenn Phillips (New Zealand) Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan) Mitchell Santner (capt) (New Zealand) Mohammad Shami (India) Matt Henry (New Zealand) Varun Chakravarthy (India) Axar Patel (India) - 12th man (With inputs from agencies)

Winning captain Rohit Sharma misses cut in ICC’s Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament

<p>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)?</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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;</p>
<h2>Match winners</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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;</p>
<h3>The underrated ones!</h3>
<p>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;</p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>KL, the superstar!</h3>
<p>Last but not least, KL Rahul.&nbsp;</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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;</p>

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

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <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></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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).</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>

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

<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
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<p>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.</p>
<p>He was chosen the player of the match for his performance.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read</strong>: <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></p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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).</p>
<p>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.</p>

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

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p><strong>Hardik Pandya:</strong> 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.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <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></p>
<p><strong>Varun Chakaravarthy:</strong> 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.</p>
<p><strong>Shreyas Iyer:</strong> 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.</p>
<p><strong>Shubman Gill: </strong>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.</p>
<p><strong>Ravindra Jadeja:</strong> 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.</p>
<p><strong>Kuldeep Yadav:</strong> 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.</p>
<p><strong>KL Rahul:</strong> 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.</p>

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

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

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <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></p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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).</p>
<p>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.</p>

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

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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).</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <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></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>

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

<p>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.</p>
<p>"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.</p>
<p>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;.</p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>The captain acknowledged KL Rahul&rsquo;s inning during the chase, which helped India cross the winning line with four wickets remaining.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>"Again, a very solid mind," Rohit said of Rahul.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"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.</p>
<p>"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.</p>
<h2>Rohit, Kohli impressed with squad depth</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>"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;</p>
<p>"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.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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

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