Virat Kohli's warm brace with Ravindra Jadeja sparked retirement rumours |courtesy - screengrab
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Ravindra Jadeja gave away just 31 runs in 10 overs while taking one wicket
- Steve Smith retired from ODI cricket after Australia's semi-final defeat
- India are aiming to win back-to-back ICC titles
The 2025 Champions Trophy final promises to be a pivotal moment in Indian cricket as not only are the Rohit Sharma-led side aiming to win back-to-back International Cricket Council (ICC) event trophies for the first time in their history but the summit clash also marks the end of an era for the Men in Blue.
The last 18 months saw three ICC events starting from the 2023 Cricket World Cup before the T20 World Cup and the ongoing tournament. The cricketing world will finally get a break as the T20 World Cup 2026 is 12 months away while the next ODI event (2027 World Cup - hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia) is more than two and half years away.
Steve Smith's retirement from ODI cricket indicated that the 2025 Champions Trophy marks the end of a cycle and has led to discussions over the future of several starts Indian players including Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and skipper Rohit. It is worth remembering that the trio bid adieu to the shortest format at the international level after India won the T20 World Cup last year
Virat Kohli Hugs Ravindra Jadeja, Sparks Retirement Rumours
The retirement rumours took the internet by storm after Kohli was spotted hugging Jadeja after the left-arm spinner ended his spell in the final. The star Indian all-rounder was at his best with the ball on the big day as he bowled 10 overs and conceded just 31 runs while taking the big wicket of Tom Latham.
As soon as Jadeja bowled his last over, Kohli ran to Jadeja and shared a warm embrace. Fans were quick to notice the incident which went viral on social media.
After the end of the India-Australia clash, Kohli was spotted sharing a hug with Kohli after being shocked at what Smith told him. Post the Australian captain announcing his retirement at ODI cricket, many interpreted that Smith told Kohli that the semi-final defeat was his final match in the format.
Talking about the match, New Zealand posted a total of 251 on the board with Daryl Mitchell and Micheal Bracewell scoring half-centuries. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravrarthy took two wickets each for India.
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