Rohit Sharma’s leadership has been nothing short of exceptional in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Indian captain has been tactically astute, making sharp bowling changes that have kept the Kiwi batters under pressure throughout the innings. His proactive approach on the field has ensured that India remains on top, dictating the tempo of the game.
Beyond his captaincy, Rohit has been a source of energy and motivation for his teammates, constantly encouraging them and staying animated on the field. However, even the best have their off moments, and Rohit had one during the 35th over that caught everyone’s attention.
Axar Patel bowled a delivery that Daryl Mitchell attempted to pull from the back foot. However, he mistimed his shot, and the ball lobbed towards mid-wicket, where Rohit was stationed. The Indian skipper leapt, stretched out his right hand, but couldn’t quite grasp it, inadvertently helping the ball sail over him.
WATCH – Virat Kohli’s Animated Send-Off To Tom Latham Steals The Show
In football terms, it was almost like a goalkeeper tipping the ball over the bar. This reprieve for Mitchell did not sit well with Rohit’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh, who was watching from the stands and was visibly disappointed.
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Earlier in the game, India had a major breakthrough when Ravindra Jadeja trapped Tom Latham LBW. The left-arm spinner bowled a full-length delivery that snuck under Latham’s bat as he attempted a sweep, striking him low on the pad. Latham reviewed the decision, but with three reds on the DRS, he had no choice but to walk back. Virat Kohli, always the livewire on the field, celebrated the dismissal in his unique style, breaking into a little dance and waving a cheeky ‘ta-ta’ to the departing Latham.
WATCH – Kuldeep Yadav’s Googly Stuns Rachin Ravindra In Champions Trophy 2025 Final
New Zealand, having won the toss, started aggressively, with Rachin Ravindra taking on Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya early. However, Varun Chakravarthy provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Will Young for 15 off 23 balls. Kuldeep Yadav then made an instant impact in the 11th over, bowling a beauty that outfoxed Ravindra, knocking over his stumps with a sharp googly.
With Rohit leading from the front and India maintaining control, the final remains an intense contest with high stakes for both sides.
