Hardik Pandya, India’s star all-rounder, was elated following the team’s triumphant victory in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai. India overcame New Zealand to secure the title, ending a prolonged drought for an ICC 50-over championship.
Following the win, Pandya struck his now-iconic pose with the trophy, seemingly conveying, “What’s the big deal?” Teammates soon joined him as the squad celebrated on the pitch where they clinched the final.
Pandya has already set his sights on the next major ICC event, the T20 World Cup 2026, where he is expected to play a pivotal role as one of the team’s senior players.
Watch: Shreyas Iyer channels young Virat Kohli with a celebratory dance after India’s Champions Trophy victory
Watch: Hardik Pandya’s iconic pose after CT 2025 win
Pandya first unveiled this pose after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, where he played a decisive role by bowling the final over of a nail-biting final. The image of him with the trophy quickly went viral on social media.
Watch: Hardik Pandya targets T20 World Cup 2026
After the Champions Trophy win, Pandya hinted at more success in the pipeline, stating, “One more done, six to go.” When questioned about his next target, he revealed his focus is firmly set on the T20 World Cup 2026.
Hardik Pandya’s performance in CT 2025
Although Pandya didn’t dominate the tournament, he played crucial cameos in key moments. In the final, he scored a steady 18 off 18 balls, including a four and a six, forming a vital partnership with KL Rahul. Overall, he amassed 99 runs at an average of 24.75 and a strike rate of 106.45, with notable contributions in the league stage and semi-final against Australia.
His bowling was equally important, especially as India fielded only one specialist pacer in their final three matches. Pandya shared the new ball with Mohammed Shami in the absence of Harshit Rana, finishing the tournament with four wickets at an average of 35.75.
India’s dominant performance in the Champions Trophy
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign was flawless, winning all five of their matches. The team showcased their dominance in the 50-over format, breezing through the group stage and defeating strong contenders like Australia and New Zealand to lift the trophy. This victory marked India’s first ICC 50-over title in 12 years.
With this win, India has now claimed two ICC titles in two years, having previously won the T20 World Cup in June 2024 under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. The Champions Trophy triumph further cements their status as a cricketing powerhouse.
