Rohit Sharma Celebrates Champions Trophy Win, Credits Rahul Dravid

In a significant moment for Indian cricket, veteran batter Rohit Sharma publicly credited former head coach Rahul Dravid for the team’s success in the Champions Trophy 2025. This acknowledgment came during the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai on October 7, marking Rohit’s first appearance since his removal as ODI captain ahead of the Australia tour.

The upcoming ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19, will see Rohit return to international cricket. His last outing for Team India was during the Champions Trophy, where he led the side to victory against both Australia and New Zealand in the semi-final and final, respectively.

From World Cup Heartbreak to Champions Glory

Reflecting on the team’s journey from the disappointment of the 2023 ODI World Cup final to winning the Champions Trophy, Rohit emphasized the importance of collective effort. Speaking at the awards ceremony, he stated, “It’s not about one year or two years of work. It was about getting into work from many years.” This perspective highlights the long-term commitment of the players and coaching staff to achieve success.

Rohit acknowledged that the team had “come so close to winning that trophy many times” but had failed to clinch it until now. He underlined a decisive shift in mindset, where players collectively decided to embrace a more focused approach. “It cannot be done by one or two players. We needed everyone to buy into that thought,” he added.

Under Rohit’s leadership, Team India has excelled in ICC tournaments, achieving a remarkable record of winning 22 out of 23 matches, which translates to a staggering win percentage of 95.65%.

Rahul Dravid’s Impact on Team Strategy

Rohit’s remarks extended to the critical role that Rahul Dravid played in shaping the team’s strategy during the Champions Trophy. He noted, “All the guys who took part in that competition got into that thought process of how to win games and how to challenge ourselves.” This focus on discipline and preparation was pivotal in their success.

He elaborated on how the team learned to set aside each match after a win, allowing them to concentrate on the next challenge. This method proved effective, particularly as they transitioned from the T20 World Cup victory last year to the Champions Trophy triumph. “That is something that helped me and Rahul bhai when we were planning for the (2024) T20 World Cup,” Rohit said.

Rohit and Dravid formed a strong partnership, especially following the team’s setback in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Together, they worked diligently to rebuild the players’ confidence, which ultimately led to back-to-back ICC titles, including the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy.

Dravid’s tenure as head coach concluded after the T20 World Cup, and he has since been succeeded by Gautam Gambhir, who began his new role during the tour of Sri Lanka. The transition in coaching staff marks a new chapter for Team India as they prepare for upcoming challenges.

As Rohit Sharma gears up for the ODI series against Australia, his reflections on leadership, teamwork, and crediting the right individuals reveal the dynamics of success in international cricket. The Men in Blue’s recent achievements not only showcase their talent but also highlight the strategic depth that has been cultivated over the years. The upcoming matches will be crucial for reaffirming their status as a top cricketing nation.