President Murmu, PM Modi, Rajnath Singh hail India's victory in Champions Trophy – The Times of India
NEW DELHI: India made history on Sunday clinching their third ICC Champions Trophy title with a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final in Dubai. A quickfire half-century from captain Rohit Sharma, crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer, and stellar performances by spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav ensured a comprehensive triumph for Team India.
Following the historic win, President of India Draupadi Murmu extended her heartfelt congratulations to the team, acknowledging their remarkable achievement.
On her official X account, she wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to Team India for winning the ICC Champions Trophy, 2025. India became the only team to win the Trophy thrice. The players, the management, and the support staff deserve the highest accolades for creating cricketing history. I wish Indian cricket a very bright future.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Team India on winning the Champions Trophy title by four wickets against New Zealand in a closely-fought final in Dubai.
“An exceptional game and an exceptional result! Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They’ve played wonderfully through the tournament. Congratulations to our team for the splendid all around display,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh also praised India’s dominant performance and the inspiration it provides to young cricketers.
“What a fantastic victory and superb performance by the Indian cricket team! Team India has scripted history by defeating New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final. India is elated by this victory. Congratulations to the entire team on their spectacular display of cricketing skills. Today’s victory will motivate many youngsters and aspiring cricketers,” Rajnath said on X.
In the match, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. They got off to a solid start with a 57-run partnership between Will Young (15) and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29 balls, including four boundaries and a six). However, Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) put the brakes on their progress, reducing New Zealand to 75/3.
A 57-run stand between Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101 balls, with three fours) and Michael Bracewell steered New Zealand past 150 runs. Bracewell played a fine knock of 53* off 40 balls, including three fours and two sixes, helping New Zealand reach 251/7 in their 50 overs.
Kuldeep (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) were India’s top wicket-takers. Mohammed Shami also claimed a wicket but conceded 74 runs in his nine overs.
In reply, India started strongly with a 105-run partnership between skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (31 off 50 balls, with a six). However, India soon lost both Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit (76 off 83 balls, including seven fours and three sixes), leaving them at 122/3. Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62 balls, with two fours and two sixes) and Axar Patel (29 off 40 balls, with a four and a six) then added a vital 61-run stand. After Axar’s departure, KL Rahul (34* off 33 balls, with a four and a six) and Hardik Pandya (18) guided India to the finish line, securing the win with six wickets and an over to spare.
For New Zealand, Michael Bracewell (2/28) and Mitchell Santner (2/46) were the top wicket-takers.
