"Way we played as team was incredible": Hardik Pandya after ICC Champions Trophy 2025 win

New Delhi [India], March 10 (ANI): Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya praised his teammates for their incredible performance in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Pandya credited the team's self-belief and skillset for their victory against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, emphasising that it was a complete team effort.
Speaking on Star Sports, the all-rounder said that playing an ICC tournament is always special as the stakes are always high in such tournaments.
"Whenever we play in an ICC tournament, it's always special. The stakes are high, and 50-over cricket is a challenge. But I think the way we played as a team was incredible," said Pandya in an interview on Star Sports.
Pandya specifically highlighted KL Rahul's exceptional talent and contribution to the team's success.
"I want to mention KL Rahul--this is who he is. Very few players have the amount of talent and time he has. What he did in the last two games showcased his ability, and I'm really happy for him," Hardik Pandya said.
KL Rahul concluded the semifinal against Australia and remained not out in the final. KL Rahul delivered an impressive inning of 34, contributing to India's achievement of the target of 252.
KL Rahul has played a vital role in the lower order, finishing games for India. He has scored 140 runs in 4 innings with an average of 140. He performed under pressure in the first semifinal against Australia.
India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. Rohit Sharma received the Player of the Match award for his outstanding 76 runs, showcasing leadership.
Outstanding performances from various players marked the Indian team's win in the ICC Champions Trophy. Pandya attributed the victory to the team's collective effort, citing exceptional catches, crucial bowling spells, and game-changing innings.
"We believe in our skill set, which helped us play the brand of cricket we did. There's self-belief in everyone. Even if one of us gets out--be it me, KL, or anyone else--we know that as a group, we can get the job done. This victory wasn't about individual brilliance--it was a complete team effort. Everyone contributed at the right moments, whether it was an exceptional catch, a crucial bowling spell, or game-changing innings. And that's what made this win even more special," he said.
Pandya's comments reflect the team's camaraderie and confidence in their abilities. The Indian cricket team's ICC Champions Trophy win is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and teamwork.
India, as a group, played well. The top order performed well throughout the tournament, and the same was true for the bowling unit. All the bowlers, including fast and spinners, took wickets in this Champions' Trophy. (ANI)