India started their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a bang, winning the match against Bangladesh by six wickets on February 20. The Men in Blue showed great team spirit, similar to their ODI World Cup 2023 performances. With this win, the much-loved ‘Best Fielder of the Match’ award returned, continuing the tradition from the previous tournament.
All Indian players played their part in the victory, demonstrating exceptional team commitment. During the post-match dressing room celebration, Mohammed Shami jokingly said, “Catch toh waise mera bhi accha tha yaar” (Even my catch was pretty good).
The contenders for the award included Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul, but Rahul received the first Fielder of the Match medal of the tournament. Ravindra Jadeja, who is renowned for his exceptional fielding, had the privilege of giving the award. Rahul’s presence of mind behind the wickets and reading of the bowler’s mind again proved to be the turning point for India.
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The match itself was an Indian declaration of intent. Their bowlers ran through the first innings, holding Bangladesh to 228 in 49.4 overs. India dominated early, limiting Bangladesh to four wickets in the first eight overs. Mohammed Shami, who was playing for an ICC event for the first time, made a statement with a sensational five-wicket haul.
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Harshit Rana, the young pacer, also impressed, taking three wickets, as Axar Patel added two scalps to his tally. Patel was inches from a hat-trick, but Rohit Sharma’s slip at slip denied him the milestone. In the pursuit, India’s top order ensured an easy victory. Rohit Sharma set the tone with a quick 41 before getting out early.
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Shubman Gill anchored the innings superbly, batting through to score a spectacular century to mark a good beginning to his Champions Trophy campaign. Virat Kohli got out for 22, while Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel scored 15 and 8 runs, respectively. KL Rahul provided solid support to Gill, remaining unbeaten on 41 as India cruised to victory, setting the tone for the tournament ahead.
