India’s victory in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai may not have been as legendary as MS Dhoni’s unforgettable six in Mumbai, but Ravindra Jadeja’s final shot through square leg secured a historic moment. This triumph marked India’s first 50-over ICC title in 12 years, igniting an outpouring of emotions. Jadeja jubilantly grabbed a stump, KL Rahul let out a triumphant roar, and the entire team erupted in celebration after successfully chasing 252 runs with four wickets in hand and six balls to spare.
Despite moments of tension, there was never a real sense of panic. India encountered setbacks—losing three wickets for just 18 runs after an impressive century partnership between Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, followed by another slump of 20 for two—but the team’s composure remained intact. After the dismissals of Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit in quick succession, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel steadied the innings with a 61-run stand. KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya then took charge before Jadeja helped Rahul guide India across the finish line.
While this win could not erase the heartbreak of the World Cup final loss 15 months earlier, it reaffirmed India’s dominance in white-ball cricket. India’s campaign was marked by clinical precision, where every player in the final eleven delivered impactful performances. They didn’t just win; they dominated—similar to Australia’s golden era in the 2000s. The team adapted seamlessly to the slow surfaces, with spinners leading the charge while the pace attack provided key breakthroughs. Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakaravarthy topped the wicket charts, while Harshit Rana and Hardik Pandya delivered vital spells.
The batting lineup contributed across the board. Rohit Sharma provided explosive starts, Kohli anchored the innings, Gill offered stability, and Shreyas Iyer played enterprising knocks. Rahul and Axar Patel adjusted their gameplay to suit different match situations, ensuring India remained on course.
However, the backbone of India’s success lay in its exceptional spin quartet. The combination of two left-arm orthodox spinners, a left-arm wrist spinner, and an unconventional leg-spinner made history. Jadeja and Axar Patel maintained control, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav brought variety and attacking flair. Together, they claimed 26 wickets, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 4.5 runs per over.
Varun’s mastery of leg-spin variations made him a go-to option whenever India needed a breakthrough. He dismissed Will Young early and later sent Glenn Phillips back at a crucial moment. Kuldeep, once touted as the future of India’s spin attack, delivered on his promise, dismantling New Zealand’s middle order by taking the key wickets of Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra.
Jadeja’s precision and Axar’s ability to extract skid off the surface left New Zealand’s batsmen struggling. The duo gave away just one six and four boundaries while racking up 125 dot balls. Despite a few missed catches in the field, the bowlers’ brilliance overshadowed any lapses.
With the foundation set by the bowlers, the Indian batsmen completed the chase effortlessly, reinforcing their dominance in the 50-over format and ensuring that the Champions Trophy returned home after more than a decade.
