India’s journey in the ICC Champions Trophy has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. From early inconsistencies to modern-day dominance, the team has evolved remarkably in this prestigious tournament. The 2025 edition, however, marked a high point — an unbeaten campaign that culminated in India lifting the title for a third time, firmly establishing them as one of the most successful teams in Champions Trophy history.
Let’s look back at how India’s story in this tournament unfolded over the years, and how the 2025 squad wrote its own chapter in golden ink.
Early Struggles and First Taste of Glory (1998–2002)
India’s Champions Trophy journey began in 1998 (then known as the ICC KnockOut), with limited success. In 2000, they reached the final but lost to New Zealand. It wasn’t until 2002 that India lifted the trophy, although in unusual circumstances. The final against Sri Lanka was washed out twice, and the two teams were declared joint winners.
This tournament showcased emerging stars like Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan, and laid the foundation for future white-ball success.
Mid-2000s: Inconsistency and Rebuilding (2004–2009)
Despite having big names in the squad, India struggled in the next few editions. In 2004 and 2006, they failed to reach the knockout stages. In 2009, the team once again failed to make it out of the group stage. The lack of balance in the XI and unstable middle-order hurt India’s consistency.
These years were crucial in terms of transition, as the team began to build a more dynamic white-ball core.
2013: A Dominant Campaign
India’s real Champions Trophy breakthrough came in 2013 under MS Dhoni. The team went unbeaten throughout the tournament in England, playing with flair and aggression. Shikhar Dhawan emerged as the leading run-scorer, and the team’s pace battery performed exceptionally well.
The final against England was a rain-affected thriller, but India held their nerve to win the title. It was Dhoni’s final ICC trophy as captain, cementing his legacy.
2017: A Strong Run Ends in Disappointment
India returned to the 2017 final but suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Pakistan. Despite excellent performances in the group stage and semifinal, India’s bowling faltered in the final. Fakhar Zaman’s century and Pakistan’s clinical bowling dismantled India’s batting order.
Still, reaching consecutive finals in 2013 and 2017 showed India’s growing dominance in white-ball ICC events.
2025: Unbeaten, Unmatched, Unforgettable
India entered the 2025 Champions Trophy with a mix of experience and youth. Led by a calm and tactical captain, and featuring match-winners in every department, the team looked sharp from the outset.
Group Stage Performance
India were placed in Group B with South Africa, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. They topped the group with clinical performances in all three matches.
- vs Bangladesh: Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli set up a solid chase after the bowlers restricted Bangladesh to a below-par total.
- vs South Africa: Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj produced a lethal spell to derail the Proteas. India chased a tricky target with composure.
- vs New Zealand: India were tested by the Kiwis, but a game-changing spell by Kuldeep Yadav turned the match around. Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 40 ensured a third straight win.
Semifinal: India vs England
In the semifinal, India faced hosts England in a packed stadium in Birmingham. England posted 275, but India’s top order — led by Kohli’s classy 85 and Gill’s fluent 60 — chased it down with six wickets to spare. The calmness in the chase was a testament to the team’s maturity.
Final: India vs Australia
The final was billed as a classic, and it delivered drama. Batting first, India posted 312 — thanks to a century from Virat Kohli and a late assault by Pandya and Jadeja. Australia started strong, but India’s bowlers kept chipping away.
Kuldeep Yadav was the hero, picking three key wickets in the middle overs. Bumrah cleaned up the tail, and India sealed a 35-run win, lifting the trophy unbeaten.
Key Contributors
- Virat Kohli: Scored over 300 runs in the tournament, including a hundred in the final. He proved why he remains India’s big-match player.
- Shubman Gill: Consistent at the top, setting the tone with brisk starts.
- Kuldeep Yadav: Finished as the leading wicket-taker. His wrist spin was unplayable in the middle overs.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Bowled with venom in powerplays and at the death.
- Hardik Pandya: A true all-round asset — crucial cameos with the bat and timely breakthroughs with the ball.
What Set the 2025 Team Apart?
- Depth: Batting till No. 8 and variety in bowling gave the team unmatched flexibility.
- Fielding: India’s athleticism in the field saved 20+ runs a game — a huge margin in modern cricket.
- Adaptability: They adjusted to conditions and opponents quickly. Every match had a different hero.
All-Time Champions Trophy Snapshot (Post-2025)
- Titles: 3 (2002 – joint, 2013, 2025)
- Finals: 4
- Win %: Over 65%
- Most Runs (India): Virat Kohli
- Most Wickets (India): Jasprit Bumrah
Conclusion: A Legacy Sealed
India’s unbeaten run to the 2025 Champions Trophy Kheloexch, title isn’t just a triumph — it’s the crowning moment in two decades of evolution. From joint winners in 2002 to undisputed champions in 2025, India’s Champions Trophy record reflects consistency, depth, and an appetite for big moments.
This campaign proved that Indian cricket no longer just competes overseas — it dominates. With three titles, an unbeaten 2025 run,Kheloexch App Download and a new generation of stars emerging, India has firmly claimed its spot as a white-ball powerhouse.
