Dubai, March 9 (NationPress) Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli expressed immense joy following the ICC Champions Trophy triumph over New Zealand. His happiness stemmed not only from the victory but also from the remarkable depth of talent within the squad. Kohli emphasized that India is equipped with a team capable of taking on the world for the next eight years.

Captain Rohit Sharma played a pivotal role with his 76-run innings, setting the stage for India's chase of 252 runs. Contributions from Shreyas Iyer (48 runs) and KL Rahul (not out on 34) ensured the team crossed the finish line with one over remaining. Axar Patel (29) and Hardik Pandya (18) also made key contributions in a thrilling match.

"It’s been incredible; we aimed to recover after a challenging tour in Australia and wanted to claim a significant tournament. Winning the Champions Trophy is truly remarkable. There’s a wealth of talent in the dressing room, and they are all striving to enhance their game. We are just pleased to assist (in our senior roles) and share our experiences, reinforcing the strength of this Indian team," Kohli remarked post-match.

"These are the moments you aspire to play for (titles), performing under pressure and stepping up. The entire team has come forward at different times throughout the tournament, delivering impactful performances. We have been part of an extraordinary team, and the effort we’ve put into our practice sessions makes this victory feel fantastic.

"As you leave, your goal is to elevate the team, and I genuinely believe we possess a squad ready to face the world for the next eight years. Shubman Gill has been exceptional, Shreyas has played some outstanding innings, KL has finished matches, and Hardik has been remarkable with the bat," he added.

The 36-year-old acknowledged the tenacity and spirit of New Zealand and commended their competitive and aggressive approach.

"Incredible (about the New Zealand team), we’ve always admired their capabilities despite having a limited player pool. They execute their strategies effectively, maintaining a style of cricket that keeps them in the game. They consistently support their bowlers and adopt an attacking mindset.

"Kudos to them; they are undoubtedly the best fielding unit. It’s unfortunate to see my friend Kane Williamson on the losing side, but they continue to excel and adhere to the fundamentals, making them such a formidable team," Kohli stated.

This victory marks India’s third Champions Trophy title, the highest achieved by any team in the tournament consisting of eight teams.