Champions Trophy: Shubman Gill Aims to Bounce Back From 2023 World Cup Heartbreak In Final vs New Zealand

March 8, 2025: India’s rising cricket star, Shubman Gill, is looking to channel the experience from India’s World Cup 2023 heartbreak and use it to his advantage in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. The final, set to take place on Sunday, offers a fresh chance for India to secure another prestigious title, and Gill is determined to make his mark.

Just over a year ago, India came within a whisker of winning the 2023 World Cup, with a dominant group stage performance and a strong semi-final victory over New Zealand. However, the final saw Australia’s Travis Head deliver a match-winning performance, denying India a chance to relive the glory of 2011 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. The loss was a tough blow for the Indian team, but now with the Champions Trophy final on the horizon, Shubman Gill is determined to make it count.

The young batter, ranked as the world’s number one ODI batsman, is keen to build on his experience from that World Cup final and approach the match with more patience. Reflecting on the loss, Gill admitted he felt a sense of urgency during the World Cup final, which led to a rush in his shot-making. He explained, “I was losing time to dominate in that game… in big ICC knockout matches, you can give yourself a little bit more time than you think.”

Having learned from that experience, Gill is now focused on taking his time and playing to his strengths in the Champions Trophy final. He is aware of the pressure on the Indian team, especially after the 2023 loss, but believes the team’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup has given them valuable momentum heading into this final.

Gill also acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with representing India on such a big stage. “In any ICC event, there is a lot of responsibility and a lot of pressure from our fans,” he said. With the final against New Zealand, a team that has proved tough in recent years, Gill is determined to bring his best game and contribute to India’s pursuit of a major international trophy.

If he can replicate his sublime batting form and provide stability at the top of the order, India’s middle order will benefit, easing the pressure and allowing the team to focus on finishing strong in the crucial decider. For Shubman Gill, this Champions Trophy final is not just an opportunity to secure another ICC title for India, but also a chance to make up for the World Cup disappointment.