India's captain Rohit Sharma poses with the winners trophy after defeating New Zealand in the final cricket match of the ICC Champions Trophy at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 9, 2025. Photo: AP/Christopher Pike India's captain Rohit Sharma poses with the winners trophy after defeating New Zealand in the final cricket match of the ICC Champions Trophy at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 9, 2025. Photo: AP/Christopher Pike

India captain Rohit Sharma played a match-winning knock of 76 in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to set up his team's victory. (Match Highlights | Full Coverage | More Cricket News)

Rohit's 83-ball 76 formed the foundation of India's successful run chase of 252 as they beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final of the tournament to become the most successful team in the history of Champions Trophy.

Rohit was adjudged the Player of the Match for his performance. The 37-year-old who has been part of multiple knockout stage exits from ICC tournaments both as captain and player said it was a great feeling to be on the right side of the result.

"To have the result our way is a great feeling," Rohit said after winning the player of the match award.

Asked about his attack at-all-cost style since the last 50 over World Cup, Rohit explained the rationale behind the move.

"It was not natural to me, but something I really wanted to do. When you are doing something different, you have to have the backing of the team and management.

"I spoke to Rahul (Dravid) bhai earlier and now Gauti (Gambhir) bhai as well. It is something I really wanted to do. I have played all these years in a different style, and now we are getting the results with this," the 'Hit Man' said.

The reigning Formula One world champion will share the front row with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who like in the sprint, came second.

The Dutchman had to see off an early push from Leclerc, but ultimately had too much.

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About playing multiple all-rounders,9x999 slots Rohit spoke about his understanding of the Dubai surface.

"The depth gives me the freedom and it helps. With Jadeja coming at 8, it gives you the confidence to go hard upfront. As long as I am clear in my mind, it is great," the skipper said.

The Indian captain appreciated the fans who came to the Dubai International Stadium to support the Men In Blue.

"I want to appreciate everyone who came out and supported us. The crowd here has been magnificent, it is not our home ground but they made it our home ground. The number of people that came here to watch us play, to give them that win was satisfying," Rohit said.

He also heaped praise on the spinners who played a pivotal role throughout the tournament including in the final.

"Not just this game but right through, our spinners in particular, there's too much expectations when you are playing on a pitch like that. We do understand their strengths and used it to our advantage," said Rohit.

The Indian captain also appreciated KL Rahul and Varun Chakravarthy for their valuable contributions.

"Very solid mind, never gets over-rawed by the pressure around him, that's the resason we wanted to have him in the middle phase, there's a bit of calmness when he bats and picks the right shot to play to the situation, he gives the freedom to others to play freely like Hardik.

"He has got something different about him. When we are playing on such pitches we want the batters to do something different. He didn't start off in the tournament for usxxbr, but when he played against New Zealand and picked up a 5-fer, we wanted to maximise that. He has great quality in his bowling. Very grateful, really appreciate their support and getting behind the team. When they come out and get behind the team it makes a huge difference."