India captain Rohit Sharma delivered a stellar performance in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. His explosive innings powered India to victory and earned him the prestigious Player of the Match award.
With this achievement, Rohit entered an exclusive club of captains who have won the Player of the Match award in an ICC tournament final away from home. He became only the fourth captain and the second Indian to do so, joining Clive Lloyd (West Indies, CWC 1975), Ricky Ponting (Australia, CWC 2003), and MS Dhoni (India, CWC 2011).
Dominating the Chase with Aggressive Batting
From the very beginning, Rohit took charge of India’s chase with his aggressive yet calculated approach. He attacked New Zealand’s bowlers with confidence, unleashing his powerful strokes all around the field. His impressive knock of 76 off 83 balls provided India with a solid foundation.
Even though he lost his wicket while trying to maintain the momentum, he had already inflicted enough damage. As a result, New Zealand struggled to regain control of the match.
A Spectacular Victory for India
With a packed crowd at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India put on a commanding performance. The four-wicket victory secured another major tournament triumph, and Rohit’s contribution played a key role in the team’s success. His outstanding innings made him the clear choice for Player of the Match.
Rohit’s Insights on His Batting Approach
During the post-match press conference, Rohit explained his strategy. He said, “No, look. Even today, I have not done anything different; I have been doing the same thing that I’ve been doing over the past 3 – 4 matches. I know how very important it is to score runs in the power play because we saw in not only 1 or 2 games, but all five games after 10 overs, it becomes very difficult when the field spreads and spinners come.”
Even as wickets kept falling at the other end, Rohit remained steady and took responsibility. When runs became harder to score in the middle overs, he ensured the scoreboard kept ticking. Eventually, he stepped out for an attacking shot but was stumped. Despite his dismissal, his teammates carried forward the chase and sealed the win.
Overcoming the Challenges of Batting Second
Reflecting on the difficulties of batting second, Rohit added, “It becomes a little tough because the pitch is already slow. And we’re doing second batting. It’s already slow. It’s very important for you to take chances. And I don’t think that I will bat like this or that I will play like that.”
A Defining Moment in Rohit’s Captaincy
Rohit’s remarkable performance not only secured India’s victory but also strengthened his legacy as a top leader in world cricket. With this win, he once again proved why he is one of the finest captains in modern-day cricket.
