March 10, New Delhi Former Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria praised Rohit Sharma’s tournament leadership after India defeated New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final in Dubai. He pointed out how he used all four spinners and how the Men in Blue maintained their confidence with their deep batting lineup even though they lost wickets in the final.
On a slow field, India’s spinners dominated the scoring, taking five wickets between them. Rohit, the captain, led the way with 76, while KL Rahul remained composed to knock an undefeated 34, giving the Men in Blue their third Champions Trophy victory against New Zealand. After winning the T20 World Cup in June of last year, this is India’s second ICC title in a 12-month span.
“India and New Zealand would compete in the final, as I had already said. Throughout the campaign, Rohit’s innings and leadership have been outstanding, and his performance in the final was outstanding. This illustrates the Indian captain’s style of team leadership. Kaneria told IANS, “It’s really amazing how he not only bats but also rotates four spinners and has different plans for every batter.”
after New Zealand was held to 251/7 in their 50 overs by spinners. India seemed to have an easy time chasing 252 on a surface that didn’t provide much turn. Shubman Gill and Rohit had a 105-run opening partnership, with Rohit hitting three sixes and seven fours in his 83-ball 76. However, India’s chase was suddenly tense because to the New Zealand bowlers’ constant strikes.
India crossed the finish line with an over remaining because to its depth in the batting, even though New Zealand’s spinners put up a fierce battle. Rahul maintained his composure to finish with 34 not out off 33 balls, ensuring India won their third Champions Trophy following 2002 and 2013, even though Iyer hit 48 off 62 balls.
“Rohit and Shubman’s partnership was crucial, and even though a wicket fell, India maintained confidence with their deep batting lineup,” Kaneria said.
Throughout the competition, the Black Caps have shown excellent batsmanship and ball skills. However, they were severely hampered in the final by the absence of the tournament’s top wicket-taker, Matt Henry, due to injury, and by the absence of Kane Williamson, who suffered a quad injury while batting.
Kaneria gave captain Micthell Santer, who was participating in his first ICC event as captain, a lot of praise for his efforts throughout the competition. “Despite playing fantastic cricket, Matt Henry, New Zealand’s top wicket-taker, was unable to participate in the final because of a shoulder injury. Santner used the tools at his disposal effectively.
“Santner’s individual performance was outstanding, and he demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout the competition. Glenn Phillips ought to have played more in the championship game. He said that Kyle Jamieson’s experience differed from Matt Henry’s.
Axar hit a brilliant slog-sweep off Santner for six with 69 runs required off 68 balls, but he was removed when he holed out to long-off for 29 in Bracewell’s last over.
The former cricket player said that his shot was not required at that time and pointed out that Axar had been dismissed. The pursuit would not have progressed as far if he hadn’t made that shot.
“If Axar Patel hadn’t made that needless shot, India’s pursuit wouldn’t have progressed as far. Kaneria said, “Sunil Gavaskar even stated in the commentary that it was not the proper way to play.”
New Zealand has been outstanding in every way, even though they lost to India in the group stage. They advanced to the championship after defeating South Africa handily in the semifinal.
“But New Zealand’s cricket was superb. They played a tri-series, took part in Champions Trophy matches, and then traveled to Dubai for the final after spending several weeks in Pakistan. They made sure they were competitive in spite of everything, and the final was competitive in and of itself,” he said.
