Not batting, India won Champions Trophy because of bowling: Ashwin
The Indian cricket team’s thrilling victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world. India’s bowling unit, in particular, played a crucial role in their 7-run win, restricting the Kiwis to 141/8 in 20 overs. And, according to off-spinner R Ashwin, it was the bowling that made all the difference in India’s victory.
“We just need to remind everyone that we have not won because of the batting, it was because of our bowling. Please look after the bowlers. From the grassroot level, we must encourage the bowlers,” said Ashwin in a post-match interview.
Ashwin’s sentiments were echoed by other Indian players as well. Captain Rohit Sharma praised the bowlers, saying, “The bowlers were fantastic. They bowled to their plans, and we were able to execute our plans as batsmen.”
The Indian bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, was able to choke the New Zealand batting line-up, never allowing them to get going. The Kiwis’ top-order batsmen, who are known for their aggressive style of play, were unable to get going, and the middle-order batsmen struggled to find boundaries.
The Indian bowlers’ success can be attributed to their ability to vary their pace and trajectory, as well as their ability to adapt to the conditions. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who picked up 2 wickets, was particularly impressive, bowling with precision and accuracy. Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up 3 wickets, was equally effective, using his pace and bounce to trouble the New Zealand batsmen.
The Indian bowling unit’s performance was all the more impressive considering the conditions. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where the match was played, is known for its flat and batting-friendly surface. However, the Indian bowlers were able to use the conditions to their advantage, using their variations and clever placement to keep the New Zealand batsmen in check.
Ashwin’s comments about the importance of bowling in India’s victory are not without merit. In recent years, India has struggled with their batting, particularly in limited-overs cricket. The team has often relied on their bowlers to get them out of trouble, and this trend continued in the Champions Trophy final.
The Indian bowling unit’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and support staff. The team has been working on their bowling skills for some time now, and it has paid off in a big way.
Ashwin’s comments also highlight the importance of recognizing and rewarding the bowlers’ efforts. In recent years, there has been a tendency to focus more on the batsmen, who are often seen as the stars of the show. However, the bowlers are just as important, and their contributions should not be overlooked.
In conclusion, India’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final was a testament to the team’s bowling unit. The bowlers played a crucial role in restricting the New Zealand batting line-up to a modest score, and their efforts were rewarded with a thrilling victory.
As Ashwin said, the bowlers deserve recognition and encouragement. They are the unsung heroes of the Indian cricket team, and their contributions should not be overlooked.
