
India has reclaimed its throne at the pinnacle of One Day International (ODI) cricket, rising to the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings after a commanding performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Blue clinched the title in spectacular fashion, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final held at The Oval, London on Sunday.
Led by the dynamic Rohit Sharma and bolstered by an extraordinary century from Virat Kohli, the Indian team looked in imperious form throughout the tournament, maintaining an unbeaten run. With this title, India not only secured their third Champions Trophy crown (after 2002 and 2013) but also leapfrogged England and Australia to reclaim the top spot in world rankings.
🏆 A Final Worthy of the Rivals
The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan final lived up to its billing. Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive 281/8 in 50 overs, thanks to a steady 75 from captain Babar Azam and late fireworks by Iftikhar Ahmed.
In reply, India chased down the target with six wickets and eight balls to spare, anchored by Kohli’s sublime 104 off 113 balls*, his 51st ODI century. His calm under pressure and elegant strokeplay earned him the Player of the Match award, while also making him the fastest to reach 14,000 ODI runs.
Supporting acts from Shubman Gill (48) and KL Rahul (42*) ensured the chase remained on track, even as Pakistan tried to apply pressure in the middle overs.
📈 India Back on Top
India’s performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of clinical:
- Group Stage: Wins over South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
- Semifinal: Comprehensive win against Australia.
- Final: Victory over Pakistan by 6 wickets.
These consistent wins boosted India’s rating points in the ICC rankings, lifting them above England (2nd) and Australia (3rd). As of May 5, 2025, India sits atop the ICC ODI Team Rankings with 124 rating points, confirming their status as the best ODI team in the world.
👑 Kohli – The Legend Grows
With another match-winning innings in a global final, Virat Kohli’s status as a big-game player continues to shine. His century in the final wasn’t just another milestone — it was a statement. Kohli now holds the record for:
- Most ODI centuries in ICC events (13)
- Most runs in Champions Trophy history (1,219)
- Fastest player to 14,000 ODI runs (in 296 innings)
Fans and pundits alike are calling it a “career-defining resurgence” for Kohli, who turns 37 later this year but shows no signs of slowing down.
🗣️ Reactions from the Cricket World
Rohit Sharma praised his team’s composure, saying,
“This group has shown maturity, hunger, and incredible teamwork. Winning the Champions Trophy was the goal, but becoming No. 1 is the cherry on top.”
Former cricketer and commentator Sunil Gavaskar noted,
“This might be the most well-rounded Indian ODI side we’ve seen in years — pace, spin, batting depth, and experience. They earned this title.”
On the other side, Pakistan captain Babar Azam acknowledged India’s dominance and called for introspection ahead of the World Cup later this year.
🔜 What’s Next?
India’s next challenge will be the bilateral ODI series against England at home in June, followed by preparations for the 2025 ICC World Cup, scheduled to be held in South Africa in November. With the No. 1 ranking secured, India will look to carry this momentum into the global showpiece event.
Final Word
India’s triumph in the 2025 Champions Trophy is not just a tournament win — it’s a statement of intent. With a blend of youth and experience, strategic brilliance, and individual genius, this team has earned its place atop the cricketing world.
Stay tuned to BiGG Sports NEWS for exclusive interviews, match analysis, and behind-the-scenes stories as Team India prepares for its next historic journey.
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