A thrilling recap of India’s journey in the ICC Champions Trophy, from near-misses to triumphant victories, and a look ahead to the 2025 final against New Zealand.
India’s Champions Trophy Rollercoaster: From Glory to Heartbreak and Back Again
A History of Highs and Lows
India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy has been a wild ride, a captivating blend of exhilarating wins and crushing defeats. From the agonizing near-misses to the moments of sheer brilliance, India’s story in this prestigious tournament reflects the nation’s unwavering passion for cricket and the exceptional talent of its players. As the 2025 Champions Trophy looms, let’s revisit the key moments that shaped India’s legacy.
2000: A Nail-Biter in Nairobi
India’s inaugural Champions Trophy final, held in Nairobi, Kenya, was a heart-stopping affair. Chasing a formidable 264, the batting stars Sourav Ganguly (117) and Sachin Tendulkar (69) fought valiantly. However, New Zealand’s Chris Cairns (102 not out) steered his team to a thrilling 4-wicket victory. Despite Venkatesh Prasad’s (3 wickets) and Anil Kumble’s (2 wickets) spirited bowling, India fell just short.
2002: A Shared Triumph
The 2002 tournament in Sri Lanka saw an unprecedented outcome. Rain intervened in the final, leading to a unique co-championship between India and Sri Lanka. This edition showcased the burgeoning talent of Virender Sehwag alongside the consistent brilliance of Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.
2013: Dhoni’s Unforgettable Victory
India’s 2013 triumph in England marked a pivotal moment. Under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, the team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. In a rain-affected final against England, India successfully defended a modest 129. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round excellence (33 not out and 2/24) earned him the Player of the Match, while Shikhar Dhawan’s 363 runs secured him the Player of the Series. This victory catapulted India to new heights.
2017: A Crushing Defeat Against Pakistan
The 2017 Champions Trophy final saw reigning champions India face their arch-rivals, Pakistan. The match was a stark contrast to India’s previous success. Pakistan’s explosive batting, fueled by Fakhar Zaman’s century (114), and their disciplined bowling (Mohammad Amir 3/16, Hasan Ali 3/19), resulted in a resounding 180-run victory for Pakistan. This loss served as a crucial lesson for the Indian team.
2025: A New Chapter
India enters the 2025 Champions Trophy brimming with confidence. Their recent semi-final win against Australia, where Virat Kohli (84), KL Rahul (42 not out), and Shreyas Iyer (45) guided the chase, showcases their batting strength. The spinners’ control over the Australian batsmen highlights their all-round prowess. The upcoming final against New Zealand promises a thrilling clash, with both teams eager to claim the coveted trophy.
The Legacy Continues
India’s Champions Trophy journey is a compelling narrative of highs and lows, a testament to the unpredictable nature of cricket. Each final, with its unique challenges and outcomes, has contributed to the rich tapestry of Indian cricketing history. The 2025 final represents an opportunity for India to rewrite its story, to create a new chapter of triumph in the annals of the Champions Trophy.
