The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 concluded with India securing their third title, defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in an exhilarating remaining on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium on March 9. Because the match got here to an finish, the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled its official ‘Staff of the Match’ on March 10, recognizing the standout performers throughout all groups.
Rohit Sharma’s omission: A giant shock?
Nonetheless, in a stunning resolution, India’s captain Rohit Sharma was not noted of the 12-member squad, regardless of enjoying an important position within the remaining. A complete of 5 Indian gamers made the distinguished lineup, with New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner named captain of the facet. The squad includes the perfect performers from the match, contemplating batting, bowling, and all-around contributions that helped their groups make an affect.
Rohit’s exclusion from the Staff of the Match raised eyebrows, particularly after his match-winning 76 off 83 balls within the remaining towards New Zealand. Whereas his efficiency main as much as the ultimate was modest, his affect within the summit conflict was plain. Nonetheless, the selectors opted for New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran because the opening pair, leaving Rohit out.
Ravindra, who was named Participant of the Match, completed as the best run-scorer with 251 runs in 4 innings, whereas Zadran scored 216 runs at a mean of 72, enjoying an important position in Afghanistan’s marketing campaign earlier than they had been knocked out within the group stage. Regardless of Rohit’s absence, India dominated the center order within the squad, with Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul chopping.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 workforce of the match
1. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) – Participant of the Match
The younger left-hander was the standout batter of the match, scoring 251 runs at a mean of 62.75, together with two centuries. His fearless strategy and consistency on the high made him an computerized alternative as an opener.
2. Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
Zadran proved to be Afghanistan’s most dependable batter, scoring 216 runs at a powerful common of 72. His preventing century towards Pakistan was one of many highlights of the match earlier than Afghanistan’s marketing campaign ended prematurely attributable to rain.
3. Virat Kohli (India)
The previous India captain as soon as once more showcased his dominance in stress conditions, scoring 218 runs at a mean of 54.5. His unbeaten century towards Pakistan was one of the crucial memorable knocks of the match.
4. Shreyas Iyer (India)
India’s middle-order linchpin, Shreyas Iyer, performed a pivotal position in stabilizing the innings each time required. He amassed 243 runs at a mean of 48.6, together with two essential half-centuries, proving to be a key asset for India.
5. KL Rahul (India) – Wicketkeeper
Other than his sensible wicketkeeping, Rahul contributed considerably with the bat, scoring 140 runs at a mean of 140. His match-winning knock within the remaining towards New Zealand cemented his place within the Staff of the Match. He additionally executed six dismissals behind the stumps.
6. Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)
Among the finest all-rounders and fielders within the match, Phillips scored 177 runs at a mean of 59 and in addition chipped in with two wickets. His beautiful catches, together with the one to dismiss Shubman Gill within the remaining, made him one of many match’s standout performers.
7. Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
The Afghan all-rounder displayed his twin talents with each bat and ball, scoring 126 runs at a mean of 42 and choosing up seven wickets, together with a match-winning five-wicket haul (5/58) towards England.
8. Mitchell Santner (New Zealand) – Captain
Santner’s distinctive management and bowling performances earned him the captaincy position within the Staff of the Match. The left-arm spinner picked up 9 wickets at an economic system of 4.80, guiding New Zealand to the ultimate.
9. Mohammed Shami (India)
Shami continued to show why he is among the world’s greatest quick bowlers, choosing up 9 wickets in 5 matches, together with a five-wicket haul in India’s opening sport towards Bangladesh. His potential to ship below stress made him an computerized choice.
10. Matt Henry (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s main pacer, Henry was the best wicket-taker of the match, scalping 10 wickets at an economic system of 5.32. His potential to strike with the brand new ball was essential for the Kiwis, although he was sadly dominated out of the ultimate attributable to damage.
11. Varun Chakravarthy (India)
India’s thriller spinner proved to be an X-factor within the match, choosing up 9 wickets at an economic system of 4.53. His potential to bother batters along with his variations made him a standout performer within the spin division.
twelfth Participant: Axar Patel (India)
Axar Patel performed an important all-round position within the match, scoring 109 runs and taking 5 wickets. His 29-run cameo within the remaining was important in guaranteeing India’s profitable chase.
India’s ICC title dominance continues
With this victory, India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title, having beforehand received in 2002 (joint-winners with Sri Lanka) and 2013 (below MS Dhoni’s captaincy). India’s triumph additionally marked back-to-back ICC titles, following their T20 World Cup 2024 victory in Barbados. Rohit joined an elite membership of Indian captains, changing into solely the second skipper after MS Dhoni to win a number of ICC titles. Regardless of being omitted from the Staff of the Match, Rohit’s management and his knock within the remaining performed a pivotal position in India’s success. His potential to marshal his troops below stress showcased why he stays among the best captains in world cricket. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 now within the historical past books, the main target shifts to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, set to start on March 22. Lots of the high performers from the match, together with Kohli, Iyer, Rahul and Mohammed Shami, will now flip their consideration to franchise cricket.