For any cricket captain, the toss is a simple 50-50 affair—sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But for Rohit Sharma, the toss has become his biggest nightmare. Once again, in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, the Rohit Sharma Toss Curse struck, as he lost the toss for the 12th consecutive time in ODIs.
New Zealand’s stand-in captain, Mitchell Santner, won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to take advantage of a dry pitch in Dubai. Rohit, however, couldn’t hold back his laughter, gesturing towards his teammates as if to say, “Why even try?” His reaction left fans and commentators in splits, with Star Sports presenter Abhinav Mukund joking:
“Rohit be like, why even go for a toss? This is the 12th consecutive time! The Rohit Sharma Toss Curse is real!”
Despite yet another Rohit Sharma Toss Curse moment, India refused to be shaken. What followed was a masterclass in resilience and dominance, as Rohit’s team crushed New Zealand to claim their third Champions Trophy title!
A Toss Curse Unlike Any Other in Cricket History
Losing a few tosses in a row is nothing unusual, but losing 12 in a row? That’s unheard of! The Rohit Sharma Toss Curse has now entered the record books, equaling a 26-year-old record held by Brian Lara (1998–1999).
Even more shocking, India as a team has now lost 15 consecutive tosses in ODIs, making it one of the most bizarre streaks in cricket history. While many believe that the toss is purely based on luck, Rohit Sharma’s streak defies probability, leading fans to jokingly call it a “curse.”
However, as this match would prove, tosses don’t decide champions—teams do.
India’s Bowlers Overcome the Rohit Sharma Toss Curse with a Dominant Performance
With New Zealand batting first, India’s bowlers knew they had to step up. Mohammed Shami, India’s go-to bowler in big matches, once again proved why he is one of the best in modern cricket.
Within the first powerplay, Shami removed both Will Young and Kane Williamson, setting the tone for the innings. His ability to swing the new ball under the Dubai lights made life difficult for the Kiwi top order.
Despite the Rohit Sharma Toss Curse, India’s bowlers took control. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja choked the run flow, ensuring New Zealand never gained momentum.
Glenn Phillips fell victim to Jadeja’s sharp turn, his off-stump uprooted by a delivery that spun past his bat. As wickets kept tumbling, New Zealand were struggling at 146/6, needing a miracle to post a competitive total.
A late counterattack from Daryl Mitchell (65 off 54 balls) gave the Kiwis some hope, but India’s disciplined bowling attack never lost control. New Zealand were bowled out for 241 in 48.3 overs, a below-par total for a final on a batting-friendly pitch.
Matt Henry’s Absence Adds to New Zealand’s Woes
New Zealand suffered another setback when their key pacer, Matt Henry, was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. He had sustained the injury during the semifinal against South Africa and, despite undergoing a last-minute fitness test, he broke down in tears after failing to recover in time.
His absence left a significant hole in New Zealand’s bowling attack, further tipping the scales in India’s favor.
India’s Chase: Rohit Sharma Leads from the Front Despite the Toss Curse
With a target of 242 to win, India’s openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill got off to a solid start, putting up an 87-run partnership.
Despite the Rohit Sharma Toss Curse, the Indian captain played a fearless knock of 46 off 38 balls, smashing his signature pull shots and setting the tempo of the chase.
After Rohit’s dismissal, Virat Kohli took charge, as he so often does in pressure chases. His 74-run stand with Gill ensured India remained in control throughout the innings.
Even though the Rohit Sharma Toss Curse continued, it had no impact on India’s determination. KL Rahul (33) and Hardik Pandya (28) calmly guided India to victory in the 47th over, securing a six-wicket win and adding yet another ICC trophy to India’s cabinet.
Final Scorecard – Champions Trophy 2025 Final
New Zealand: 241 all out (48.3 overs)
- Daryl Mitchell – 65 (54)
- Tom Latham – 41 (52)
- Mohammed Shami – 3/37
- Kuldeep Yadav – 2/44
- Ravindra Jadeja – 2/32
India: 242/4 (46.5 overs)
- Shubman Gill – 74 (92)
- Virat Kohli – 58 (68)
- Rohit Sharma – 46 (38)
- Mitchell Santner – 2/48
A Farewell Story?
With this historic Champions Trophy win, many are speculating that Rohit Sharma may step down as India’s ODI captain. Having already led India to T20 World Cup glory in 2024, this victory cements his legacy as one of India’s greatest white-ball captains.
If this was Rohit’s final ICC tournament as captain, it would be a perfect farewell—overcoming the Rohit Sharma Toss Curse to lift a major title!
The Rohit Sharma Toss Curse Didn’t Stop India from Becoming Champions!
This Champions Trophy final will be remembered for many things—
✅ Rohit Sharma’s never-ending toss curse
✅ Shami and Kuldeep’s world-class bowling
✅ India’s flawless run chase
But most importantly, it will be remembered as a match that proved one simple fact:
The Rohit Sharma Toss Curse may exist, but true champions don’t let a coin flip define their destiny!
And on this night in Dubai, India proved why they are the best in the world! 🏆🎉
