Champion of champions: The place India received Champions Trophy 2025 | Cricket Information

The ICC Champions Trophy closing between India and New Zealand highlighted the importance of seizing pivotal moments in high-pressure video games. TOI examines the important thing phases within the match…
Kuldeep’s twin strikes
New Zealand openers Rachin Ravindra and Will Younger started with a bang, scoring 57 inside the primary 8 overs and setting the tone. However issues modified as quickly as Rohit Sharma launched Kuldeep Yadav into the assault instantly after the primary Powerplay. Kuldeep’s impression was instantaneous. His first supply, a brilliantly disguised googly, deceived the in-form Ravindra. Anticipating typical flip, Ravindra misjudged the ball’s trajectory, leading to it sneaking via the bat-pad hole and crashing into the stumps. This dismissal halted New Zealand’s momentum. Buoyed by the success, Kuldeep acquired the higher of Kane Williamson too. In his subsequent over, he delivered a flighted supply that subtly stopped on Williamson, who tried a ahead push. The miscalculated shot led to a easy return catch to the bowler.

NZ go 81 balls and not using a boundary
After Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy dismissed New Zealand openers Rachin Ravindra and Will Younger, the Indian spin quartet’s relentless accuracy stifled New Zealand’s scoring. Kane Williamson’s dismissal marked the onset of a boundary drought for the Kiwis. For 81 consecutive balls, spanning over 13 overs, New Zealand’s batsmen struggled to pierce the sector, unable to seek out the ropes. This era underscored India’s dominance and New Zealand’s mounting strain.
Varun’s dismissal of Phillips
Glenn Phillips, who scored a 34 off 52 deliveries, tried to stabilize the Black Caps innings throughout a partnership with Daryl Mitchell. Within the thirty eighth over, Phillips showcased his intent by pulling a brief supply from Varun Chakravarthy in the direction of deep sq. leg. Undeterred, Chakravarthy recalibrated his technique. Off the very subsequent ball, he delivered a googly that drifted in from exterior off stump. Phillips, anticipating a traditional leg-spin, tried an aggressive shot however was deceived by the sharp flip. The ball sneaked via the hole between bat and pad, crashing into the stumps. Phillips’ dismissal left New Zealand at 165/5 after 37.5 overs. This pivotal second ensured the Kiwis could not speed up in the long run overs.
Rohit Sharma’s whirlwind begin
Rohit Sharma delivered a scintillating innings that set the tone for India’s pursuit of 252. Rohit showcased his aggressive intent from the outset, reaching a speedy half-century off simply 41 balls. His dominance was evident as he persistently discovered gaps and cleared the infield with ease, unsettling the New Zealand new-ball bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will ‘O Rourke. As Black Caps skipper Mitchell Santner launched Nathan Smith, Rohit took the medium pacer for 14 runs within the eighth over. Partnering with Shubman Gill, Rohit established a formidable opening stand of 105 runs. Rohit’s aggressive strategy ensured that remainder of the Indian batters did not must face run-rate strain when the Kiwi spinners had been making their life troublesome through the center overs.
Shreyas Iyer‘s middle-overs manoeuvring
Coming into the crease after the dismissal of Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer confronted fast strain as New Zealand’s spinners, notably Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, had been on high of their sport. Demonstrating outstanding composure, Iyer employed a mix of stable defence and calculated aggression. He adeptly used his ft to counter the spin, steadily stepping out to negate the bowlers’ size. He skillfully maneuvred shorter balls into gaps, making certain a gentle movement of singles and doubles. A standout second occurred within the twenty first over when Iyer executed a exact pull shot off Santner, sending the ball to the boundary and reigniting the momentum for India. Iyer’s masterful dealing with of New Zealand’s spinners was instrumental in stabilizing India’s innings throughout a vital part.
Rahul’s ending touches
There have been some tense moments after Axar Patel’s dismissal with India at 203/4. Kl satisfiedexhibiting outstanding poise, anchored the innings throughout this vital part. Rahul’s technique mixed cautious defence with opportunistic strokeplay, making certain the scoreboard saved ticking with out pointless dangers. Whilst Hardik Pandya was dismissed, Rahul remained steadfast, exemplifying resilience underneath strain. Rahul remained unbeaten on 34, underscoring his adaptability and calm manner underneath high-pressure circumstances. His ending touches secured India their third CT title.