Ravindra Jadeja Hits Winning Runs in Champions Trophy 2025 Final
Ravindra Jadeja once again proved his mettle as he guided India to a historic victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 9. The all-rounder remained unbeaten, ensuring India successfully chased down the target with ease.
However, before his match-winning moment, Jadeja was already making headlines, not just for his on-field performance but also due to an emotional gesture from Virat Kohli, which sparked widespread speculation regarding his future in ODI cricket.
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Kohli’s Emotional Hug Sparks Retirement Rumors
During the first innings of the match, after completing his spell with the ball, Ravindra Jadeja received an unexpected but heartfelt gesture from Virat Kohli. As Jadeja finished his bowling spell with impressive figures of 10 overs, 30 runs, and 1 crucial wicket—that of Tom Latham, Kohli rushed toward him and embraced him warmly.
This moment immediately set off speculation among cricket fans and analysts—was this Jadeja’s final appearance in One-Day International (ODI) cricket? Given that Jadeja, Kohli, and Rohit Sharma had all retired from T20 internationals after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, many believed this could be Jadeja’s way of bowing out from the ODI format as well.
Jadeja’s Heroic Cameo with the Bat
As the match progressed, India found themselves in a comfortable position during the run chase. Chasing a target set by New Zealand, the Men in Blue needed just 11 runs off 15 balls when Jadeja walked in to bat.
Despite the low requirement, the pressure of a final match is always immense. However, Jadeja remained composed and played a short yet impactful innings, scoring 9 runs off 6 balls. His final stroke—a boundary through square leg—sealed India’s victory, setting off grand celebrations at the Dubai International Stadium.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: 3 Heroes and 3 Zeroes of IND vs NZ
A Moment to Remember: Jadeja’s Iconic Celebration
As fireworks erupted across the stadium, Jadeja’s celebration added fuel to the ongoing retirement speculation. The 36-year-old all-rounder pointed to the name on the back of his jersey, a gesture often associated with farewell moments in sports.
Fans and cricket experts immediately began debating whether this was a subtle hint at his retirement from ODI cricket. Given his age and the fact that India had now won back-to-back ICC tournaments—the 2024 T20 World Cup and now the 2025 Champions Trophy—many believed this could be the perfect moment for Jadeja to bid adieu to the international stage.
Jadeja’s Post-Match Interview: No Mention of Retirement
Amid all the speculation, Jadeja finally addressed the media in a post-match interview with veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle. However, to the surprise of many, he did not make any mention of his retirement plans.
Reflecting on the match, he said:
“My batting position puts me in a spot where I either finish as a match-winner or go unnoticed by the end of the game. Luckily, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya played a crucial partnership, and their runs changed the course of the match. The wicket wasn’t easy for batting at the start, but it was an important game, and winning the Champions Trophy for India is a special feeling.”
Jadeja further emphasized the significance of winning back-to-back ICC tournaments, saying:
“Representing India and triumphing in major tournaments is a dream come true. Sometimes you regret not being part of winning teams despite playing for years. But I’m grateful that I’ve been fit enough and have performed at the highest level, helping India win the 2024 T20 World Cup and now the Champions Trophy.”
His statements focused solely on the team’s success and his personal satisfaction in contributing to India’s victories.
Did Jadeja Hint at His Future Plans?
While Jadeja did not officially announce anything regarding his retirement, his words suggested that he was reflecting on his journey and achievements.
His mention of fitness and performing at the highest level could indicate that he is evaluating his future in international cricket.
If he does decide to step away from ODIs, his last two years in Indian cricket would be remembered as a golden phase. He played a pivotal role in India’s two ICC triumphs and remained one of the most consistent all-rounders in world cricket.
Kohli’s Gesture: A Celebration, Not a Goodbye?
As for Virat Kohli’s hug, which initially fueled retirement rumors, it now seems more like a gesture of appreciation rather than a farewell moment. Kohli and Jadeja have shared a strong bond throughout their careers, and it is likely that Kohli was simply congratulating his long-time teammate for an excellent spell with the ball.
Given their history together—spanning multiple World Cups, Test series, and historic wins—it is understandable why such a moment could be misinterpreted as a goodbye gesture.
What’s Next for Ravindra Jadeja?
With no official word from Jadeja on his retirement, fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for the Saurashtra all-rounder.
• Will he continue playing ODIs?
• Is he planning to focus solely on Test cricket?
• Could the Indian Premier League (IPL) become his primary focus moving forward?
Only time will tell. But for now, one thing is certain—Jadeja has etched his name in history as a match-winner in yet another ICC final.
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Conclusion: Jadeja’s Legacy in White-Ball Cricket
Whether or not Ravindra Jadeja announces his retirement from ODIs, his contributions to Indian cricket remain undeniable.
From being a reliable all-rounder to delivering under pressure in ICC finals, Jadeja has always been a key player for India. If this was indeed his final ODI match, he couldn’t have asked for a better farewell—hitting the winning runs in a major ICC tournament final and helping India lift the Champions Trophy once again.
For now, Indian cricket fans will cherish this iconic moment, while waiting for Jadeja’s next move in international cricket.
