Rohit Sharma has created history by becoming the first captain to lead his team to the finals of every ICC tournament. With India’s remarkable victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday, the Men in Blue secured their place in their fifth Champions Trophy final, a record no other team has achieved more than three times.
Since taking over as full-time captain in February 2022, Rohit has led India to several milestones. In just three years, India has reached the final of every ICC event, making him the only skipper to accomplish this feat.
An often underappreciated strategist, Rohit’s tactical brilliance has cemented his place among the greatest captains in cricket history. Under his leadership, India made it to the World Test Championship final in 2023 but suffered a 209-run defeat. Later that year, India remained unbeaten in the ODI World Cup until the final, where they faced a heartbreaking six-wicket loss to Australia in Ahmedabad.
Despite setbacks, Rohit rebounded spectacularly, masterminding India’s unbeaten campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup, leading them to victory in Barbados and securing the title for the first time since 2007.
With the Champions Trophy as the final missing piece, Rohit finally completed the set on Tuesday, guiding India to another ICC final. Adopting a fearless approach, India avenged their previous loss by knocking Australia out of the tournament.
Chasing a target of 265, Virat Kohli delivered a match-winning innings, scoring a commanding 84 off 98 balls. Shreyas Iyer provided crucial support with 45 off 62 deliveries.
India’s successful chase marked their highest run-chase against Australia in an ICC event, surpassing the previous best of 261 in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final.
With Rohit Sharma at the helm, India now stands on the brink of another ICC title. Can the Men in Blue finally clinch the Champions Trophy under his leadership?