Rohit Sharma misses out as ICC announces Champions Trophy 2025 ‘Team of the tournament’

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 concluded with India securing their third title, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9. As the tournament came to an end, the International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled its official ‘Team of the Tournament’ on March 10, recognizing the standout performers across all teams.

Rohit Sharma’s omission: A big surprise?

However, in a surprising decision, India’s captain Rohit Sharma was left out of the 12-member squad, despite playing a crucial role in the final. A total of five Indian players made the prestigious lineup, with New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner named captain of the side. The squad comprises the best performers from the tournament, considering batting, bowling, and all-around contributions that helped their teams make an impact.

Rohit’s exclusion from the Team of the Tournament raised eyebrows, especially after his match-winning 76 off 83 balls in the final against New Zealand. While his performance leading up to the final was modest, his impact in the summit clash was undeniable. However, the selectors opted for New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran as the opening pair, leaving Rohit out.

Ravindra, who was named Player of the Tournament, finished as the highest run-scorer with 263 runs in four innings, while Zadran scored 216 runs at an average of 72, playing a vital role in Afghanistan’s campaign before they were knocked out in the group stage. Despite Rohit’s absence, India dominated the middle order in the squad, with Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul cutting.

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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 team of the tournament

1. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) – Player of the Tournament

The young left-hander was the standout batter of the tournament, scoring 263 runs at an average of 62.75, including two centuries. His fearless approach and consistency at the top made him an automatic choice as an opener.

2. Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)

Zadran proved to be Afghanistan’s most reliable batter, scoring 216 runs at an impressive average of 72. His fighting century against Pakistan was one of the highlights of the tournament before Afghanistan’s campaign ended prematurely due to rain.

3. Virat Kohli (India)

The former India captain once again showcased his dominance in pressure situations, scoring 218 runs at an average of 54.5. His unbeaten century against Pakistan was one of the most memorable knocks of the tournament.

4. Shreyas Iyer (India)

India’s middle-order linchpin, Shreyas Iyer, played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings whenever required. He amassed 243 runs at an average of 48.6, including two crucial half-centuries, proving to be a key asset for India.

5. KL Rahul (India) – Wicketkeeper

Apart from his brilliant wicketkeeping, Rahul contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 140 runs at an average of 140. His match-winning knock in the final against New Zealand cemented his place in the Team of the Tournament. He also executed six dismissals behind the stumps.

6. Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)

One of the best all-rounders and fielders in the tournament, Phillips scored 177 runs at an average of 59 and also chipped in with two wickets. His stunning catches, including the one to dismiss Shubman Gill in the final, made him one of the tournament’s standout performers.

7. Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)

The Afghan all-rounder displayed his dual abilities with both bat and ball, scoring 126 runs at an average of 42 and picking up seven wickets, including a match-winning five-wicket haul (5/58) against England.

8. Mitchell Santner (New Zealand) – Captain

Santner’s exceptional leadership and bowling performances earned him the captaincy role in the Team of the Tournament. The left-arm spinner picked up nine wickets at an economy of 4.80, guiding New Zealand to the final.

9. Mohammed Shami (India)

Shami continued to prove why he is one of the world’s best fast bowlers, picking up nine wickets in five matches, including a five-wicket haul in India’s opening game against Bangladesh. His ability to deliver under pressure made him an automatic selection.

10. Matt Henry (New Zealand)

New Zealand’s leading pacer, Henry was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, scalping 10 wickets at an economy of 5.32. His ability to strike with the new ball was crucial for the Kiwis, though he was unfortunately ruled out of the final due to injury.

11. Varun Chakravarthy (India)

India’s mystery spinner proved to be an X-factor in the tournament, picking up nine wickets at an economy of 4.53. His ability to trouble batters with his variations made him a standout performer in the spin department.

12th Player: Axar Patel (India)

Axar Patel played a crucial all-round role in the tournament, scoring 109 runs and taking five wickets. His 29-run cameo in the final was vital in ensuring India’s successful chase.

India’s ICC title dominance continues

With this victory, India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title, having previously won in 2002 (joint-winners with Sri Lanka) and 2013 (under MS Dhoni’s captaincy). India’s triumph also marked back-to-back ICC titles, following their T20 World Cup 2024 victory in Barbados. Rohit joined an elite club of Indian captains, becoming only the second skipper after MS Dhoni to win multiple ICC titles. Despite being omitted from the Team of the Tournament, Rohit’s leadership and his knock in the final played a pivotal role in India’s success. His ability to marshal his troops under pressure showcased why he remains one of the best captains in world cricket. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 now in the history books, the focus shifts to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, set to begin on March 22. Many of the top performers from the tournament, including Kohli, Iyer, Rahul and Mohammed Shami, will now turn their attention to franchise cricket.