India all-rounder Hardik Pandya said that he was delighted to bury the ghosts of India’s loss in the Champions Trophy 2017 following the team’s victory in the 2025 edition on Sunday, March 9 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final to clinch their second Champions Trophy title.

Following India’s win, Pandya recalled their heartbreaking loss to Pakistan in the final of the Champions Trophy 2017 and said that it was close to his heart. Pandya was the lone warrior for India in the final eight years ago as he played a remarkable innings of 76 (43) in the chase of 338.

“It’s always amazing to win an ICC event, especially the Champions Trophy. I remember 2017 very closely to my heart. We couldn’t finish the job that time. Pleased with how we have played everyone throughout the tournament, and how everyone contributed. (On how KL finished the game) Brilliant, calm, composed, took his chances at the right times. I think this is what KL Rahul is. KL Rahul has immense talent, I don’t think anyone can hit the ball the way he can. That was an exhibition of how he did today,” said Pandya in the post-match interview.

Champions Trophy Final: Scorecard | Highlights

Pandya played a handy innings of 18 (18) in the final as he took India on the verge of a win in the summit clash. Pandya had a phenomenal run in the tournament scoring 99 runs from four innings with crucial knocks against New Zealand and Australia lower down the order.

With the ball, the right-arm seamer was brilliant with the new ball in the lead up to the final, pairing up with Mohammed Shami. Pandya scalped four wickets from five matches with the best performance of 2/31 (8 overs) coming against Pakistan. As a result, the all-rounder played a pivotal role in India’s second successive triumph after bowling India to T20 World Cup 2024 win.