Follow UsVirat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern-day, hinted that his days are coming to an end as far as ODI cricket is concerned after India won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, beating New Zealand by four wickets in the final on March 9 (Sunday) in Dubai.
Speaking in the post-match celebration, Kohli said, “I try to speak to these guys (Shubman Gill, who was standing beside him), try to share my experience, tell them how I've played for so long. When you leave, you want to leave in a better position. So many impactful knocks Gill, Shreyas, Rahul, et al. have played. The team is in good hands.”
Kohli, who could not make any impact in the final, getting outfoxed by Michael Bracewell for just one run, further said that the youngsters are taking the country in the right direction.
“It's lovely playing with a bunch of amazing youngsters. They're stepping up and taking India in the right direction. After playing for so long, you look forward to playing under pressure,” he said.
“To win titles, the whole team has to step up in different games. People have played such impactful knocks and had spells, that collective effort is what has done it for us,” added the 36-year-old.
Kohli also spoke about the New Zealand team’s brilliant performance in the tournament and expressed his regret that his old friend Kane Williamson finished second this time around.
“We've always been in awe of what NZ can do with their limited number of players. They come in with a set plan. Every fielder knows where the bowler will bowl. They have immense belief in their skills, the best fielding side. Huge shoutout to them. Sad to see a very good friend (Kane Williamson) on the losing side, only love between us,” he said.