Rohit Sharma snubbed from ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Team despite India's historic win

Dubai (The Uttam Hindu): India secured a historic victory in the Champions Trophy 2025, marking their first title win in 12 years. However, the ICC's decision to exclude Indian captain Rohit Sharma from the "Team of the Tournament" has sparked controversy in the cricketing world. Rohit Sharma played a match-winning knock of 76 runs in the final against New Zealand, earning the Player of the Match award. Yet, the ICC did not include him in its 12-member squad, leading to widespread debate among fans and experts.

Why was Rohit Sharma left out?

According to the ICC, Rohit's omission was based on his overall performance throughout the tournament. Before the final, his form was relatively subdued, with only 180 runs in five matches. As an opener, his place was difficult to secure as Rachin Ravindra (top run-scorer) and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran were preferred in the opening slots.

Indian dominance in the best XI

Despite Rohit's exclusion, six Indian players made it to the "Team of the Tournament":

- Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul were included in the middle order.

- Varun Chakravarthy (spinner) and Mohammed Shami (fast bowler) were picked for the bowling lineup.

- All-rounder Axar Patel was named as the 12th player.

Mitchell Santner named captain

New Zealand's Mitchell Santner was chosen as the captain of the ICC Team of the Tournament. Santner not only led his team impressively but also took nine wickets, finishing fourth among the highest wicket-takers.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Team of the Tournament

1. Mitchell Santner (Captain)

2. Rachin Ravindra

3. Ibrahim Zadran

4. Virat Kohli

5. Shreyas Iyer

6. KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)

7. Glenn Phillips

8. Azmatullah Omarzai

9. Matt Henry

10. Mohammed Shami

11. Varun Chakravarthy

12. Axar Patel (12th Player)