India’s cricket team has excelled in the last three ICC tournaments, winning 23 of 24 matches and securing two trophies under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. Despite facing challenging schedules, India maintained strong performances, losing only the final of the 2023 World Cup. Sharma praised his team for their depth, understanding, and ability to manage external pressure, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. In 2024-2025, India remains undefeated in 13 matches across formats. Rohit credited the entire squad for their contributions, highlighting the passion and dedication driving their success. Achieving two consecutive ICC trophies and going undefeated is a notable milestone.
While in this Champions Trophy, India has contested all five of their matches in Dubai, their schedules for the 2023 World Cup (despite being at home) and the T20 World Cup they clinched last year were considerably more challenging. In 2023, they showcased their skills across nine different venues, losing only in the final against Australia. During last year’s T20 event, they began with three matches in New York state before concluding their last six matches (one of which was abandoned) in five varying locations.
“That’s a tremendous milestone to reach, honestly,” Rohit remarked regarding India’s 23 victories. “It reflects the quality of this team. Yes, we made it to the ODI World Cup final and lost there, but we then ventured into the T20 World Cup and emerged victorious in every game. We also clinched the trophy here as well.
“This highlights the team’s quality—significant depth, strong understanding within the group, and palpable excitement. This is the approach we want to take in our cricket. We discussed ahead of the tournament that there’s excessive pressure from outside. If India loses one match or the game shifts in an unexpected direction, speculation runs rampant.
“However, the boys have effectively set that aside, concentrating instead on winning games and enjoying the sport. This has been a crucial element of our performance over the last two to three years that we’ve been together.”
When focusing specifically on 2024 and 2025, India has now secured victory in 13 consecutive matches across two different formats. MS Dhoni led India’s charge for all three limited-overs trophies, including the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. However, only during the 2013 Champions Trophy did his team remain unbeaten throughout the tournament. Moreover, Dhoni’s India never managed to win consecutive ICC titles.
“It’s a remarkable team accomplishment to win two ICC titles and remain unbeaten—that’s the cherry on top,” Rohit stated. “I’ve witnessed very few teams achieving two tournaments undefeated. We effectively adapted to the conditions to secure our wins. There are no plans for the future; whatever is meant to be will unfold.
“We were defeated in the 2023 final after playing exceptional cricket across nine games. Maintaining that same mindset, intention, and game plan, we approached the final match. We emphasized that we wouldn’t give up until the game concluded. This was our message leading into these two finals—remaining engaged in the game until the very end.”
Rohit also acknowledged a versatile XI, filled with all-rounders, where nearly everyone made a significant impact throughout the tournament.
“From Nos. 1 to 11, all players who had the chance to bat or bowl contributed in various ways. When everyone works together and contributes, you achieve consistent success. In this tournament, those who bowled made essential contributions, and the batters who performed helped us secure victories.
“It wasn’t just one player who scored all the runs in the tournament; every player contributed strategically as we understood the challenging conditions. Therefore, receiving contributions top to bottom was vital.
“There is immense hunger and passion within the team. These qualities can’t be taught; they come naturally to many of the players here.”
Andrew Fidel Fernando is a senior writer at ESPNcricinfo. @afidelf