India lifted the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday, March 9, defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final. Skipper Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in India’s victory, anchoring the chase with a fighting 76-run knock, earning him the Player of the Match award. With this, Rohit joins an elite list of cricketers who have delivered match-winning performances in Champions Trophy finals.
Here’s a look at all the Player-of-the-Match award winners in ICC Champions Trophy finals:
1998 – Jacques Kallis (South Africa) vs West Indies
Performance: 37 (51) & 5/30
Kallis’ all-round brilliance guided South Africa to victory in the inaugural edition. His five-wicket haul helped restrict West Indies to 245/3 before he anchored the chase, securing a four-wicket win.
2000 – Chris Cairns (New Zealand) vs India
Performance: 102* (113)
New Zealand was struggling at 132/5 while chasing 265, but Cairns’ unbeaten century powered them to their first-ever ICC trophy with a thrilling four-wicket win.
2002 – No Player-of-the-Match (India & Sri Lanka joint winners)
The final was washed out twice due to rain in Colombo, resulting in both teams being declared joint winners. This remains the only ICC tournament final without an individual award.
2004 – Ian Bradshaw (West Indies) vs England
Performance: 34* (51) & 2/29
Bradshaw’s all-round effort helped West Indies recover from 147/8 to chase down 218, securing a dramatic two-wicket victory.
2006 – Shane Watson (Australia) vs West Indies
Performance: 57* (88) & 2/11
In a rain-affected final, Watson’s unbeaten 57 anchored Australia’s chase of 139, securing their maiden Champions Trophy title.
2009 – Shane Watson (Australia) vs New Zealand
Performance: 105* (129)
Australia lost two early wickets while chasing 201, but Watson’s unbeaten century guided them to a six-wicket win, clinching their second consecutive title.
2013 – Ravindra Jadeja (India) vs England
Performance: 33* (25) & 2/24
In a rain-shortened 20-over final, Jadeja’s late flourish helped India post 129/7. He then bowled a tight final over to defend 15 runs, securing a five-run victory.
2017 – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) vs India
Performance: 114 (106)
Zaman’s fearless batting helped Pakistan post 338/4. The bowlers then bundled out India for 158, sealing a dominant 180-run victory.
2025 – Rohit Sharma (India) vs New Zealand
Performance: 76 (109)
Chasing 252, India lost early wickets, but Rohit’s composed 76-run knock anchored the chase, helping India lift their third Champions Trophy title.
With this win, India becomes the only teams to win three Champions Trophy titles (2002, 2013, 2025). Rohit Sharma’s heroic innings further cements his legacy as one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers.
