Champions Trophy 2025: KL Rahul to Virat Kohli - How did India players React after winning Final?

A 12-year drought of an ICC trophy in ODI tournaments has ended for India as they clinched the Champions Trophy 2025 title against New Zealand on Sunday (March 9).

Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer starred with the bat as India won the final in Dubai by 4 wickets, chasing a tricky target of 252 runs. In the bowling, the likes of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav made crucial contributions.

It was an emotional moment for India, who redeemed themselves for the heartbreak in the World Cup 2023. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli were emotional after the win, while head coach Gautam Gambhir was also pumped up along with his contingent.

After the victory, the Indian stars expressed their feelings to the broadcasters. Here is a look at that-

KL Rahul

KL Rahul couldn't express his feelings as he was overwhelmed with the moment. The India player had a fantastic performance in the series.

"Not sure I can say this on air but I was s****** myself. As confident as I could be that I could get over the line. Keeping composure is all that matters, happy to have done it this time. I've batted in times like this in three out of the five games. Hard to put in words, but the team has pure skill. The way we've all had to play cricket growing up, we faced pressure from the time we became professional cricketers," KL Rahul said.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer has endured a tough time in recent months but came back superbly to his best self in the tournament. And the India batter was also emotional on the day.

"Feeling ecstatic. This is my first ICC trophy, kinda overwhelmed looking at each and everyone in the dressing room. I love to go under pressure, I thrive. Not able to get a big one but immensely satisfying to contribute to win. These are the lucky earrings, they'll stay on," Shreyas said.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya heaped praises on KL Rahul after the victory.

"Always amazing to win an ICC event. I remember 2017 very closely, couldn't finish that time. Very pleased to have done it here. KL was calm, he took his chances at the right time. He has immense talent, no one can time it as well as him," Hardik said.

Virat Kohli

"It's been amazing, we wanted to bounce back after a tough Australia tour. Lovely playing with a bunch of amazing youngsters. They're stepping up and taking India in the right direction. After playing for so long, you look forward to playing under pressure. To win titles, the whole team has to step up in different games," Virat Kohli said.