When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place: Kohli

NEW DELHI: India ended their 12-year ICC ODI title drought in style, defeating New Zealand by four wickets to claim their record-breaking third ICC Champions Trophy title on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. Star batter Virat Kohli, reflecting on the victory, praised the team’s depth and asserted that this squad has the potential to dominate world cricket for the next eight years.
"When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place," Kohli said. "I feel we've got a squad that’s ready to take on the world for the next eight years. Shubman has been outstanding, Shreyas has played some top knocks, KL has finished games, and Hardik has been superb with the bat."
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India, unbeaten throughout the eight-nation tournament held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, chased down New Zealand’s 252-run target with an over to spare. Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front, scoring a crucial 76 off 83 balls, and forming a steady 105-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill (31). However, New Zealand’s spin trio of Mitchell Santner (2/46), Michael Bracewell (2/28), and Rachin Ravindra (1/47) brought their side back into contention by reducing India to 203/5.

Despite the setbacks, KL Rahul (34), Hardik Pandya (18), and Ravindra Jadeja, who struck the winning boundary, ensured India’s triumph. With this victory, India surpassed Australia’s two-title record, having previously won the Champions Trophy in 2002 and 2013.

Reflecting on the victory, Kohli remarked, "It's been amazing. We wanted to bounce back after a tough Australian tour, and winning a big tournament like the Champions Trophy is incredible. There’s so much talent in the dressing room; they’re always striving to take their game further. We seniors are just happy to share our experiences, and that’s what makes this Indian team so strong."
India’s bowlers had earlier set the foundation for the win, with Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) restricting New Zealand to 251/7. Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) and Bracewell (53 off 40) were the key contributors for the Kiwis, but India's disciplined bowling attack never allowed them to break free.

Kohli also lauded New Zealand’s performance and their ability to consistently punch above their weight. "They’re an amazing team. We’ve always been in awe of what they can do despite having a smaller talent pool. They execute their plans so well, and their fielding unit is easily the best in the world. It’s sad to see my good friend Kane Williamson on the losing side, but New Zealand keeps playing cricket that makes them one of the most competitive teams."
With this triumph, Team India now boasts an impressive ICC trophy cabinet, which includes two ODI World Cups, two T20 World Cups, and three Champions Trophy titles. This win further cements their status as one of the most dominant teams in world cricket, setting the stage for continued success in the years to come.