IND vs NZ Post Match Presentation | India vs New Zealand Final Champions Trophy 2025 | Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Interview

India Lifts Champions Trophy 2025 After Thrilling Final Against New Zealand

The final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 saw India script a historic victory against New Zealand, securing their third Champions Trophy title. In a pulsating contest, the Men in Blue held their nerves to chase down the target in front of a packed stadium, with fans roaring in support. As the dust settled, the post-match presentation provided insight into the emotions, celebrations, and reactions from both teams.

KING ???? PRINCE

The mutual admiration shared between Virat Kohli & Shubman Gill! ????#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/bFsKlgG82m

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025

New Zealand Acknowledge India's Dominance

Despite ending on the losing side, New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner displayed immense sportsmanship, praising India’s effort.

"It's been a great tournament for us. We were challenged throughout, and the way we adapted was commendable. But today, we lost to a better side. Credit to India’s spinners, they squeezed us well in the middle overs. We were 20-25 runs short of what we aimed for," Santner reflected.

He also lauded Rachin Ravindra’s contribution, highlighting his maturity and game awareness. "He has a massive future ahead. He steps up in big tournaments and proved his worth today again. His ability to perform under pressure is incredible," he added.

The New Zealand players then stepped forward to receive their runner-up medals, acknowledging the support from fans and their remarkable journey in the tournament.

Rachin Ravindra: Player of the Tournament

Despite the heartbreak of missing out on the title, Rachin Ravindra’s outstanding performances throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award. The young all-rounder expressed his mixed emotions.

"This is bittersweet. It was a glorious final, but unfortunately, we couldn’t cross the line. Individual accolades are great, but ultimately, you play for the team. It would have been wonderful to lift the trophy, but cricket can be cruel," Ravindra said.

His consistency with the bat and contributions with the ball played a crucial role in New Zealand’s journey to the final. The young star has firmly established himself as a key player for his side in ICC tournaments.

Rohit Sharma: Player of the Match and India's Architect of Victory

India’s skipper Rohit Sharma, who was named Player of the Match, led from the front with a crucial knock in the chase. His attacking intent at the top helped set the tone for India's pursuit of the target.

"We played some great cricket throughout the tournament, and to come out on top in the final is an incredible feeling. This aggressive style of batting is something I’ve worked on, and the management backed me to do it," Rohit said.

He credited India's deep batting lineup for giving him the freedom to play fearlessly. "When you have Jadeja coming in at No. 8, it allows us to take more risks up front. That depth gives us confidence," he added.

As Rohit walked up last to receive his winner’s medal, chants of "Rohit, Rohit" echoed around the stadium, a testament to his stature in Indian cricket.

Virat Kohli's Emotional Reflection

Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of Indian cricket, was visibly emotional after securing another ICC trophy. Having played a pivotal role in mentoring young players, Kohli reflected on the journey.

"We wanted to bounce back after the tough tour of Australia. To win a big ICC tournament after that is just incredible. This team is in great hands with youngsters stepping up," Kohli said.

He also took a moment to appreciate New Zealand's consistency in ICC events. "They execute plans perfectly and always bring their A-game. Huge credit to them. It’s tough to see my good friend Kane (Williamson) on the losing side, but there’s only love and respect between us," he added.

Shubman Gill & KL Rahul Praise Team's Effort

Shubman Gill, who played a supporting role in the chase, expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma's leadership.

"I mostly sat back and enjoyed Rohit's batting. He told me to just bat till the end, and that’s what I focused on. After missing out in 2023, it feels amazing to win this one," Gill said.

KL Rahul, who played a crucial role in finishing the game, admitted feeling the pressure.

"I was honestly nervous. But in situations like these, it’s about staying calm and backing your skills. This team has been incredible under pressure, and I’m glad we got over the line," Rahul said.

Kuldeep Yadav & Hardik Pandya's Joyous Reactions

Kuldeep Yadav, who was instrumental with the ball, dedicated the win to Indian fans.

"We don’t believe in the favorites tag, but we played brilliantly. Managing four spinners in the team isn’t easy, and Rohit bhai handled it superbly," Kuldeep remarked.

Hardik Pandya, thrilled with India’s triumph, reminisced about his heartbreak in the 2017 Champions Trophy final.

"I still remember 2017, when I couldn’t finish the job. This time, I’m glad I contributed to a winning cause. KL was calm and finished it beautifully," Hardik said.

Ravindra Jadeja: The Unsung Hero

Ravindra Jadeja, as always, played a crucial role with both bat and ball.

"Sometimes I’m a hero, sometimes I’m a zero. But winning a big tournament like this is special. If you don’t win ICC trophies after playing for so long, it hurts. I’m glad we got this one," Jadeja said.

India’s Grand Celebration & White Blazer Moment

As the post-match presentations wrapped up, the Indian team stepped forward to receive their iconic white blazers, signifying their status as Champions Trophy winners. Players beamed with pride as they collected their medals, celebrating yet another historic moment in Indian cricket.

The celebrations reached their peak when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both carrying a stump as souvenirs, broke into an impromptu Dandiya dance – a playful nod to their Gujarati roots. Meanwhile, players like Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, and Shreyas Iyer joined in with their own celebratory jigs, reflecting the sheer joy of the occasion.

Fans in the stadium and around the world rejoiced, as fireworks lit up the night sky. The Indian team, now crowned Champions Trophy 2025 winners, had once again made their mark on the biggest stage, bringing joy to millions of supporters.

With this victory, India not only avenged their 2023 World Cup heartbreak but also reaffirmed their dominance in international cricket. The journey to this title was filled with challenges, but the Men in Blue stood tall when it mattered most.

As the night ended with loud cheers and celebratory chants, one thing was clear – India's reign as a cricketing powerhouse continues.