India has become the new ICC Champions Trophy title holder in 2025, marking a monumental victory for the team and showcasing their exceptional skills, determination, and teamwork. The journey to this prestigious title was filled with challenges, each step highlighting the resilience and commitment of the players. The collective effort of individuals like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul culminated in this outstanding achievement, and the story of how they secured the trophy deserves recounting.
The road to the trophy began in the group stages, where India faced formidable opponents. In their first match, India went up against Bangladesh, a team that posed significant challenges with its strong opening batting lineup. However, India managed to dominate the game, securing a convincing six-wicket victory. This early win set a positive tone for the tournament.
Next, India met their arch-rivals Pakistan. The match was highly anticipated, with both teams eager to claim victory. Pakistan relied on their renowned fast bowlers, aiming to shake India’s confidence. Despite the pressure, India’s experience shone through, and they emerged victorious once again, winning by another six wickets.
India’s final group stage match was against New Zealand. Although the Kiwis started slow, they quickly regrouped and pressed India hard. However, India proved too strong again, finishing the match in triumph with a five-wicket win, reinforcing their position in the tournament.
Advancing to the semi-finals, India faced a strong Australian side. Knowing Australia had a reputation for turning games around, India started off well. Despite the elite bowlers quickly dismissing the openers, India’s resilience held, allowing them to secure a four-wicket victory which catapulted them into the finals.
In the grand finale, they met New Zealand once again, this time with the coveted ICC Champions Trophy on the line. The stage was set as the coin toss favored New Zealand, and they opted to bat first. Captain Kane Williamson aimed to set a defendable target, but India’s disciplined bowling attack was up to the task, putting immense pressure on the Kiwis throughout the innings.
Rohit Sharma emerged as a standout player during the tournament, notably scoring a century against Bangladesh, setting a solid foundation for the team’s success. His ability to deliver explosive starts was a morale booster as India progressed through the matches.
While Rohit took the lead, Virat Kohli’s composure and precision were equally essential in high-stakes matches. His calm demeanor in the semi-finals against Australia and the final against New Zealand showcased his leadership abilities and talent.
KL Rahul also played a crucial role within the squad, showcasing his versatile skills as a batsman and wicketkeeper. His experience proved invaluable in guiding India through challenging moments in the tournament.
As the players celebrated their remarkable victory, they were reminded of the journey that brought them here. Much like the 1983 World Cup team that also faced struggles before triumph, this squad was rewarded for their hard work and dedication. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledged their efforts, announcing a reward of Rs 125 crore for the squad, support staff, and selectors in light of their ICC T20 World Cup win.
Reflecting on previous victories, the 1983 World Cup team received considerably less—Rs 1 lakh each—which stands in stark contrast to the current reward structure. The then-president of the BCCI, Shri NKP Salve, initially offered Rs 25,000 to each player after their World Cup victory, but it was Raj Singh Dungarpur who later organized a concert featuring legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, which ultimately raised enough funds to increase each player’s reward to Rs 1 lakh.
Fast forward to today, and the financial landscape for the BCCI is dramatically different. As they present substantial rewards to current champions, they demonstrate a strong appreciation for the players’ efforts, with the board ensuring that prize money from the ICC is also retained by the players themselves.
The fans eagerly await the current coach’s decision regarding sharing the prize money among the coaching staff, drawing comparisons between his leadership approach and that of Rahul Dravid, who previously shared his winnings equally with his fellow coaches.
In conclusion, India’s triumphant run in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 serves not only as a testament to their skill and determination but also as a reflection of the growth of cricket in the country. The journey from the earlier financial struggles of the team to the lavish rewards of today highlights an evolution that all players can cherish as they continue to aim for even greater heights in the world of cricket.
