Birmingham: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the unique record of being the first captain to win three world titles. India, unquestionably the most vibrant side in the tournament, won the Champions trophy.
After frustrating showers reduced the contest to a T20 affair, India first scored 129 for seven and then restricted England to 124 for eight in a topsy-turvy game that went down to the wire. Ravindra Jadeja (33 no and 2/24) made another all-round contribution which proved to be telling in the context of the match.
The sizeable Indian crowd erupted in joy when Ravichandran Ashwin (2/15) finished the final over with James Tredwell unable to hit the required six off the last delivery and Skipper Dhoni jumped in joy as the delirious Indian players hugged each other while the others were busy collecting souvenir stumps to mark another remarkable chapter in Indian cricket history.
“A lot of people talk about technique but what is important for me a better player is one who responds to the situation.Credit to Rohit and Shikhar as they have batted well at the top. As far as our fielding is concerned, there has been a cultural change,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.This was India`s second Champions Trophy title having won the first one jointly with Sri Lanka back in 2002. That India won the championship two days before the 30th anniversary of maiden World Cup triumph back on June 25, 1983.
Dhoni said, we are going to West Indies now. Winning is important for the team. I am happy my players are playing well .and About the new bunch that has adapted so well in international cricket, that playing in front of big crowds in the IPL has certainly helped.”Some of our players are experienced in international cricket. New players have played IPL matches in front of thousands.”Dhoni gave credit to his batsmen for scoring 130 on a sluggish pitch where batting looked difficult due to rain interruptions.
Virat Kohli, the top-scorer of the final said that “winning seven out seven matches (including practice games) was a special feeling. Our boys showed a lot of character.”Kohli enthralled the crowd with his own version of “Gangnam style” and a few push-ups that reminded one and all of his RCB colleague Chris Gayle`s manner of celebration after winning World T20 in Sri Lanka.
Ravindra Jadeja said,”I did well throughout the tournament and I was very positive. It was quite difficult to rotate the strike, so myself and Virat just tried to build a good partnership. I was enjoying the bowling on this wicket. The skipper always backs me when I bowl.”
Shikhar Dhawan said who had a fantastic tournament said that the pace and bounce of the wicket did suit his style of play.and”I love bouncy tracks as it suits my game. I practice hard in the nets and I loveing every moment of it. It`s doubly special as I was out for two years. I always knew I had the talent but I wasn`t scoring that many runs.”
A dejected England captain Alastair Cook said, “It`s tough to take at the moment. I think both sides found the pitch quite hard to bat on. You are always going to think of different reasons. I`m proud of the way the players have performed in this tournament. And In the end, the deserving team won and firecrackers finally lifted the spirits at Edgbaston.
Bureau report
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