India’s Record Toss Losses Haunt Them in Champions Trophy Final

Dubai, UAE – India is facing off against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In a disappointing turn of events for India, captain Rohit Sharma lost the toss yet again, marking his twelfth consecutive toss defeat in One Day Internationals, tying the record set by Brian Lara. New Zealand’s skipper, Mitchell Santner, won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that will test India’s bowling capabilities in challenging conditions.

The stakes are high, as India aims to recover from previous losses and secure their third Champions Trophy title, while New Zealand seeks its second. Star pacer Matt Henry, who played a crucial role in New Zealand’s semi-final, is out due to injury, with Nathan Smith stepping in for him. Despite this setback, the Blackcaps remain confident, bolstered by their strong performance throughout the tournament.

As the match commenced, New Zealand’s openers, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young, made a significant impact, scoring 45 runs for the first wicket. This marked the highest opening stand against India in the current Champions Trophy, further amplifying the pressure on the Indian bowlers.

Varun Chakravarthy made headlines, taking advantage of the playing conditions to deliver an outstanding performance, claiming a five-wicket haul. His scalps included key players such as Kane Williamson, who was New Zealand’s cornerstone with a steady innings of 81 runs off 120 balls. Chakravarthy’s outstanding bowling led to India securing a pivotal 44-run victory in their final group match against New Zealand, confirming a spot in the semi-final.

Amid the onslaught, India’s batting lineup struggled, losing star players Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli early on. A commendable middle-order performance, led by Shreyas Iyer who scored 79 runs, and Hardik Pandya’s aggressive 45 helped stabilize the innings, contributing to India’s total of 249 runs. However, the team felt the pressure from New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Henry, who finished with remarkable figures of 5/42.

Sharma remained optimistic despite the toss loss, stating, “We know we are strong enough to chase or defend totals in any situation. Tosses can be tricky, but what matters is how we perform on the ground.”

As the tournament progresses, Indian fans are hopeful that their team’s resilience will shine through, leading them to reclaim the championship title.