March 9, 2025, became a landmark day for Indian cricket as the Men in Blue secured their third ICC Champions Trophy. This victory not only marked India’s long-awaited return to ICC glory in the 50-over format but also saw senior pacer Mohammed Shami finally claim his first ICC title.
Leading into the tournament, much had been said about Shami’s lack of an ICC trophy. However, the veteran pacer silenced those discussions with a strong campaign.
He started with a sensational five-wicket haul against Bangladesh but had a tough outing in the final, conceding 74 runs for just one wicket. Despite this, his contributions throughout the tournament played a crucial role in India’s success.
Shami also found himself in the spotlight for off-field reasons. During the tournament, he was criticized by some religious leaders for consuming an energy drink instead of fasting during Ramadan. The debate sparked conversations on social media, with some questioning his religious commitments.
However, Shami responded in a dignified manner. During the post-match celebrations, as his teammates uncorked champagne bottles on the podium, he quietly stepped aside, staying true to his beliefs. After the celebrations ended, he rejoined the squad, earning praise for his respectful stance.
Adding to the emotional moments, Virat Kohli was seen warmly greeting Shami’s mother after the match. In a touching gesture, Kohli bowed and touched her feet as a mark of respect before posing for photos with her.
With this triumph, India not only ended their Champions Trophy drought but also overcame their New Zealand jinx, silencing critics and reaffirming their dominance on the global stage.