India secured a thrilling victory against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, marking their third title win in the tournament’s history. Following their triumph on Sunday, March 9th, players from the winning side shared their reactions.
Virat Kohli
Reflecting on the win, Virat Kohli expressed immense joy, stating they aimed to rebound after a challenging tour in Australia and were determined to win a major tournament, which they successfully achieved. He praised the team’s young talent, highlighting their contribution to Indian cricket’s progress. Kohli emphasized the importance of senior players sharing their experience to guide the youngsters. He noted the team’s collective effort throughout the five matches, with everyone stepping up to contribute to their victory. Kohli lauded the team spirit and the enjoyable atmosphere during the tournament, both on and off the field.
Kohli further elaborated on his role in mentoring young players, sharing his career experiences to aid their development. He expressed his desire to leave Indian cricket in a stronger position for future generations, confident in the current squad’s potential to dominate world cricket for years to come. He acknowledged the impactful performances from players like Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, emphasizing the team’s bright future.
Speaking about their opponents, New Zealand, Kohli admired their consistent performance in major tournaments despite having fewer players. He acknowledged their strategic planning and exceptional fielding skills, recognizing them as one of the top teams globally. Kohli extended his appreciation to New Zealand for a great tournament campaign and expressed personal sentiments for his friend Kane Williamson, who was on the losing side.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul humorously admitted to feeling nervous towards the end of the game but maintained confidence in the remaining batsmen to secure the win. He emphasized the importance of composure in crucial moments and expressed happiness in contributing to the victory. Rahul mentioned gaining valuable time in the middle during the tournament, which prepared him for high-pressure situations. He attributed their success to their inherent skills honed through years of playing cricket and overcoming challenges. Rahul credited the BCCI and the first-class cricket system for nurturing talent and providing platforms for players to excel under pressure.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill described his feelings as “amazing,” enjoying Rohit Sharma’s batting from the other end. He highlighted the importance of their partnership and communication during the innings. Gill recounted Rohit Sharma’s advice to focus on the scoreboard and play till the end, regardless of the ball count. He expressed satisfaction in winning the Champions Trophy after missing out in 2023. Gill spoke of his admiration for Virat Kohli, having watched him as a child, and praised Kohli’s intensity and commitment to the game, both on and off the field, inspiring the team to give their all.
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya expressed his delight in winning an ICC event, particularly the Champions Trophy, recalling the disappointment of not finishing the job in 2017. He praised the team’s overall performance throughout the tournament and the contributions from every player. Pandya specifically commended KL Rahul’s calm and composed innings, highlighting his exceptional talent and ball-striking ability, which was on full display during the final.
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer conveyed his ecstatic feelings, finding it hard to express his joy in words. He described winning his first ICC trophy as overwhelming and praised the team’s collective effort and progress throughout the tournament. Iyer admitted to enjoying pressure situations and challenges, feeling he thrives under such circumstances. He mentioned his satisfaction in contributing to the team’s victory, despite not scoring a big individual score, emphasizing team success over personal milestones.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja humorously described his batting position as one where he is often either a hero or a zero. He emphasized the crucial partnership between KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, considering their runs a game-changing factor. Jadeja acknowledged the challenging batting conditions initially and highlighted the significance of winning the Champions Trophy for India. He expressed regret for past losses but felt fortunate to be part of the winning teams in both the 2024 T20 World Cup and now the Champions Trophy, attributing his fitness and performance at the highest level to these victories.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav expressed relief at not having to bat, crediting KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja for finishing the game. He addressed the expectations of being favorites, stating he doesn’t believe in such tags. Yadav highlighted the complexity of managing four spinners in a team and praised Rohit Sharma’s outstanding captaincy in this regard. He explained the detailed planning involved in strategizing bowling changes based on batters and match situations, emphasizing that it’s a result of days of preparation. Yadav concluded by stating the team’s intent to celebrate their victory, along with the entire nation.
