Champions Trophy 2025 team of the tournament
The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy came to an end on Sunday, March 9, as India defeated New Zealand in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Middle-order - Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK)
Virat Kohli came into the tournament on the back of a lean patch in red-ball cricket. He failed to capitalise on his start against Bangladesh in India's opening fixture. However, he bounced back with a match-winning century against Pakistan. In India's last group game against New Zealand, Kohli's short stay at the crease was ended by Glenn Phillips' athleticism. He delivered in the semi-finals, scoring 84 against Australia in a tense run-chase. The 36-year-old was dismissed cheaply in the final, but his overall record was impressive as he finished with 218 runs from five matches at an average of 54.50.
Shreyas Iyer was India's highest run-scorer in the tournament. He finished only behind Rachin in the overall run-scorers' list. In five matches, India's No. 4 batter slammed 243 runs at an average of 48.60 and a strike rate of 79.92. The Mumbai batter registered two half-centuries in the tournament and missed out on a third by two runs in the final.
KL Rahul batted at No. 6 in the tournament, with Axar Patel being promoted ahead of him. The Karnataka cricketer looked comfortable playing the finisher's role as he remained unbeaten in three out of the four innings he played in the tournament. He aggregated 140 runs at a strike rate of 97.90. Rahul also had the most number of dismissals by a wicketkeeper in the tournament, with five catches and one stumping.
Download Our App