Champions Trophy Final: All Eyes On “RO-KO”, Rohit’s Half-Century Drought And Virat’s Century Quest

March 8, 2025: As India gears up to take on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, the spotlight will be on two of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both have had illustrious careers, playing crucial roles in some of the most defining moments in Indian cricket history. From lifting the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy to their stellar performances in World Cups, they have experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows on the biggest stage.

However, with age catching up—Rohit at 37 and Virat at 36—this could very well be the last time fans witness these two legends in an ICC tournament final together. As both players approach the twilight of their careers, there’s a sense of anticipation and nostalgia, as fans reflect on their evolution from talented youngsters to national icons.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have proven time and again that they are made for big moments. Their records in ICC ODI knockout matches speak volumes. Rohit has been a consistent performer, scoring 459 runs in 10 such matches, averaging 51.00, with two centuries, including a memorable 137 against Bangladesh in the 2015 ICC World Cup quarterfinals and 123* in the Champions Trophy 2017 semifinals. His ability to step up in crucial moments has made him one of India’s go-to players in pressure situations.

Virat, on the other hand, has been even more prolific, amassing 530 runs in 13 innings at an average of 48.18 in ICC knockout matches. His legendary knock of 117 against New Zealand in the 2011 World Cup semifinals made him the first player to reach 50 ODI centuries. Another key moment came in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy final, where he scored 43 in a rain-affected match, helping India secure victory. Virat also delivered crucial knocks against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals and Bangladesh in 2017.

However, despite their stellar records in knockout matches, both players have faced difficulties in ICC finals. Virat’s record in finals has been inconsistent. In four ICC ODI finals, he has only managed 137 runs at an average just above 34, with one half-century coming in the 2023 World Cup final. His other scores in finals have been 35 (against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final), 43 (against England in the 2013 Champions Trophy final), and 5 (against Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final). These performances don’t truly reflect Virat’s talent or his ability to perform under pressure in the biggest games.

Rohit’s record in ICC finals, however, has been even less impressive. In three ICC ODI finals, he has scored just 56 runs at a subpar average of 18.66, with his best score being 47 in the 2023 World Cup final. He failed to make an impact in the 2013 Champions Trophy final (scoring 9) and was out for a duck in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan.

While both players have been pillars for India in ICC tournaments, their performances in finals have often left fans wanting more. Virat’s numbers improve when considering all white-ball ICC finals (including the T20 World Cup), where he has scored 290 runs in six matches at an average of 48.33, with three half-centuries and a best score of 76 in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Rohit, however, is yet to score a half-century in an ICC white-ball tournament final. In six such finals, he has only managed 124 runs at an average of 24.80, with the best score being 47.

As India looks to avenge their heartbreak from the 2019 World Cup semifinals and the 2021 World Test Championship final loss to New Zealand, the question remains: will Rohit Sharma finally break his half-century drought in an ICC final? Can Virat Kohli score his first-ever century in an ICC event final, becoming the second Indian after Sourav Ganguly (who scored a century in the 2000 ICC Knockout final against New Zealand) to achieve this feat?

With both players reaching the latter stages of their careers, this final could be a defining moment in their legacy. It’s not just about lifting the Champions Trophy; it’s about proving that they can deliver in the biggest matches when the stakes are at their highest.