Virat Kohli made 218 runs for India in CT 2025 with one century and one fifty to his name.
Virat Kohli, who played an important role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title win on Sunday, March 9, spoke about the significance of experience, self-belief, and resilience in overcoming past setbacks.
India defeated New Zealand in the final of the tournament in Dubai by 4 wickets to win their third ICC Champions Trophy title and first since 2013. Kohli acknowledged the excitement and passion surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy, which has returned after several years.
"It's been a long time since we've had a Champions Trophy, and the format is really good. This was our aim. After a tough tour of Australia, we came here and won a big tournament, which has once again boosted our confidence as a team," Kohli told Star Sports.
India showed strong determination throughout the tournament, with various team members delivering at crucial moments. Kohli attributed the team's success in stressful situations to its veteran players.
"There were moments in past tournaments where we weren't able to finish games or capitalize on crucial situations. But this time, we learned from those experiences. That's why you back experienced players--they have faced these moments before, and when you apply those learnings and work hard, you get a chance to turn things around," he explained.
Virat Kohli also praised KL Rahul for his resiliency as he turned out to be a key performer during the knockout stages of the tournament.
"The way KL (Rahul) finished in the last two matches is a testament to that experience. When you've been in those situations before and couldn't cross the line, there's always a desire to get another opportunity and overcome it. And that's exactly what we did,” Kohli added.
The team's success was largely due to their focus on their capabilities rather than the opposition.
"One thing we kept emphasizing throughout the tournament was focusing on our skills--how good we are, not how good the opposition is. "Despite all the challenges, this is why you play the game--for these big tournaments,” Kohli said.
Kohli contributed heavily to India's triumph, making 218 runs in five games. He finished fifth among the tournament's leading run scorers. Kohli won his fourth ICC title.
"Winning four ICC titles is truly a blessing, and I consider myself very lucky to have played for so long and achieved this," he concluded.