Kaneria Praises Rohit's Leadership in India's CT Victory Over New Zealand
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Synopsis
Danish Kaneria commended Rohit Sharma's captaincy after India's triumph against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final. He highlighted the effective use of spinners and the team's batting depth, showcasing India's confidence even in the face of adversity.
Key Takeaways
- Rohit Sharma displayed exceptional leadership during the tournament.
- India effectively utilized four spinners to secure wickets.
- The partnership of Rohit and Shubman was crucial for success.
- New Zealand struggled without key players due to injury.
- Axar Patel's dismissal was a turning point in the match.
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) Following India's victory over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final held in Dubai, former Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria commended Rohit Sharma's captaincy throughout the tournament. He emphasized how the skipper effectively utilized four spinners and maintained the team's confidence with their robust batting order, even when facing wickets during the final.
The Indian spinners played a pivotal role, collectively taking five wickets on a sluggish pitch. Captain Rohit excelled with a top score of 76, while KL Rahul remained composed, scoring an unbeaten 34, leading the Men in Blue to their third Champions Trophy triumph with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand. This marked India's second ICC title in just 12 months, following their T20 World Cup win in June last year.
"I had already predicted that India and New Zealand would meet in the final. Rohit's captaincy and his performances throughout the tournament have been outstanding, and his contribution in the final was remarkable. This showcases how the Indian captain leads his team, not just with bat but also by rotating four spinners and devising unique strategies for each batter, which is simply incredible," Kaneria told IANS.
After the spinners held New Zealand to 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs, the target of 252 appeared manageable for India on a surface that offered minimal turn. Rohit, who struck seven fours and three sixes in his 83-ball 76, and Shubman Gill formed a significant 105-run opening partnership. However, the New Zealand bowlers kept applying pressure, introducing a nervous tension into India's chase.
With a deep batting lineup, India successfully reached the target with one over to spare, despite New Zealand's spinners giving a tough fight. Iyer contributed 48 runs off 62 balls, while Rahul ensured his presence till the end, finishing with 34 not out off 33 balls, securing India's third Champions Trophy title following victories in 2002 and 2013.
"The partnership between Rohit and Shubman was crucial, and despite losing wickets, India retained confidence with their substantial batting depth," Kaneria added.
The Black Caps demonstrated impressive form throughout the tournament but faced a significant setback in the final with the absence of the injured Matt Henry, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, and Kane Williamson, who sustained a quad injury while batting.
Reflecting on New Zealand's campaign, Kaneria praised their skipper Mitchell Santner, who led his side in his first ICC tournament. "New Zealand showcased excellent cricket, but unfortunately, they were without their leading wicket-taker, Matt Henry, due to a shoulder injury. Santner made the most of the resources at his disposal.
"Santner exhibited remarkable captaincy throughout the tournament, and his individual performance was commendable. In the final, Glenn Phillips should have been utilized more effectively. Kyle Jamieson lacked the experience that Matt Henry brings," he stated.
With 69 runs required off 68 balls, Axar executed a slog-sweep off Santner for six but was dismissed when he holed out to long-off for 29 in Bracewell’s final over.
The former cricketer remarked on Axar's dismissal, suggesting that the shot was ill-timed. Had he not attempted that shot, the chase might not have been as tense.
"India's chase would not have been as intense had Axar Patel refrained from that shot; it was unnecessary. Even during commentary, Sunil Gavaskar noted that it was not the right approach to the game," Kaneria said.
Despite their loss to India in the group stage, New Zealand performed admirably across all facets and reached the final following a dominant victory over South Africa in the semifinals.
"Nevertheless, New Zealand played exceptional cricket. They spent several weeks in Pakistan, participated in a tri-series, engaged in Champions Trophy matches, and then moved to Dubai for the final. They managed to remain competitive, and the final itself was indeed a contest," he concluded.
