Rohit Sharma: A Historic Journey to ICC Finals
Captain Rohit Sharma has etched his name into cricket history by becoming the first-ever captain to lead a team to the finals of all four major ICC tournaments. This unprecedented achievement was sealed during the semi-final of the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India triumphed over Australia, showcasing exceptional resilience and skill on the field.
A Glorious Track Record
Rohit Sharma’s journey as captain has been remarkable, characterized by significant milestones and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Under his leadership, India has reached the finals of the following ICC tournaments:
- World Test Championship Final (2023)
- ODI World Cup Final (2023)
- T20 World Cup Final (2024)
- Champions Trophy Final (2025)
The pathway to the latest final was not straightforward. In the semi-final clash against Australia, India had a challenging chase, needing to secure 265 runs on a pitch that tested their mettle. At one point, the Men in Blue found themselves in a precarious position at 43/2. However, the ability to recover under pressure has been a hallmark of this team, and they demonstrated just that.
The Semi-Final Showdown
Faced with pressure, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer came to the fore, scripting a crucial 91-run partnership that shifted the momentum in favor of India. Kohli’s steady hand was instrumental as he scored a commendable 84 runs off 86 balls, punctuated by five boundaries. Iyer contributed significantly with his 45 runs before being dismissed.
As the chase progressed, the lower order stepped up. Axar Patel played a pivotal role, not just with his bat but also in stabilizing the innings by scoring 27 runs. KL Rahul’s composed 42 not out and Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 28 runs at the end sealed India’s victory by four wickets in a tense finish.
In his post-match presentation, Rohit praised the calmness of his team throughout the innings. “We wanted that big partnership which Shreyas and Virat had… we were very calm. Yes, we got the runs in the 48th over, but I thought we were calm and composed in our chase," Rohit stated.
Looking Ahead: The Final Countdown
With this victory, India has advanced to the final of the Champions Trophy, where they will face the winner of the semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand. The final is scheduled to take place on March 9 in Dubai, promising to be a high-stakes encounter filled with anticipation.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s leadership has reinvigorated Indian cricket, instilling confidence and adaptability in his players. His achievement of reaching the finals of all four ICC tournaments not only highlights his coaching acumen but also the depth and talent within the Indian squad. As they prepare for yet another challenge in the Champions Trophy final, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see if India can capitalize on this remarkable journey and bring home the trophy. The cricketing narrative continues to evolve, and with Rohit at the helm, there are no limits to what this team can achieve.
