The stage is set for a thrilling finale as Rohit Sharma’s Team India stands just one step away from claiming the coveted title. On Sunday, the Indian team will face off against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, marking their 14th appearance in an ICC tournament final. This comes on the heels of their triumphant win in the T20 World Cup 2024. What’s more, India has a 25-year-old score to settle with New Zealand, making this match all the more significant.
Team India’s journey in ICC tournaments began in 1983 when they first played in a final, securing a historic win against West Indies in the ODI World Cup. India claimed the title with a 43-run victory, marking a monumental moment in their cricketing history. The team then went on to play in the Champions Trophy final in 2000, where they faced off against New Zealand. Unfortunately, India suffered a 4-wicket defeat at the hands of the Kiwis. Now, nearly 25 years later, the Indian team has a chance to exact revenge and make amends for that loss.
India’s third appearance in an ICC tournament final was in 2002, where they were set to play against Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy. However, the match was abandoned due to rain, and both teams were declared joint winners. The team then proceeded to the 2003 ODI World Cup final, only to be defeated by Australia by a margin of 125 runs. In 2013, India played in the Champions Trophy final once again, this time emerging victorious against England to claim their second Champions Trophy title.
The Indian team has also had its share of successes in the T20 format, winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 by defeating Pakistan in the final by a narrow margin of 5 runs. Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, India went on to win the 2011 ODI World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka in the final by 6 wickets. However, the team has also faced its fair share of setbacks, including a 6-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in the 2014 T20 World Cup final and a loss to Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy.
In recent years, India has suffered defeats in the World Test Championship 2019-21 final against New Zealand, the 2021-23 final against Australia, and the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia. Nevertheless, the team made a remarkable comeback by winning the T20 World Cup 2024, demonstrating their resilience and determination. With their sights set on the Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian team is ready to put their skills to the test and bring home the coveted title.
Key Highlights of India’s ICC Tournament Finals
- 1983 ODI World Cup: India won against West Indies by 43 runs
- 2000 Champions Trophy: India lost to New Zealand by 4 wickets
- 2002 Champions Trophy: India and Sri Lanka declared joint winners due to rain
- 2003 ODI World Cup: India lost to Australia by 125 runs
- 2007 T20 World Cup: India won against Pakistan by 5 runs
- 2011 ODI World Cup: India won against Sri Lanka by 6 wickets
- 2013 Champions Trophy: India won against England
- 2014 T20 World Cup: India lost to Sri Lanka by 6 wickets
- 2017 Champions Trophy: India lost to Pakistan
- 2019-21 World Test Championship: India lost to New Zealand
- 2021-23 World Test Championship: India lost to Australia
- 2023 ODI World Cup: India lost to Australia
- 2024 T20 World Cup: India won
The stage is now set for an intense battle between India and New Zealand, with the Indian team looking to settle old scores and claim the Champions Trophy 2025 title. Will they be able to exact revenge and make history, or will the Kiwis prove to be too strong? Only time will tell.