Dubai: In a historic achievement, India captain Rohit Sharma has become the first captain to lead his team to the final in all four major Men's ICC tournaments. Under his leadership, India reached the finals of the ICC World Test Championship (2023), the ODI World Cup (2023), the T20 World Cup (2024), and now, the ICC Champions Trophy (2025).
India secured their spot in the Champions Trophy final by defeating Australia by four wickets in the first semifinal held here on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 265 runs, India showcased composure, with significant partnerships, especially between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Kohli was named Player of the Match for his crucial 84-run innings.
This victory not only avenged India's previous losses to Australia in the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup finals but also highlighted Rohit Sharma's exceptional leadership qualities. His captaincy record in ODIs is particularly impressive, boasting a winning percentage of 92.75%, the highest for any Indian captain.
Throughout his career, Rohit has been instrumental in India's successes across formats. In the Champions Trophy alone, he has amassed 481 runs in 10 innings at an average of 53.4, including one century and four half-centuries. His ability to perform consistently in high-pressure matches has been a cornerstone of India's achievements on the global stage.
As India awaits the winner of the New Zealand versus South Africa semifinal, the team's focus remains on clinching the Champions Trophy title. Both potential opponents are formidable, but India's adaptability to the conditions in Dubai and their recent performances position them favorably.
Rohit's unprecedented accomplishment of leading India to the finals in all major ICC tournaments underscores his strategic acumen and resilience as a leader. The cricketing world now watches keenly as he aims to add another prestigious trophy to India's cabinet.