India clinched their third Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand in Dubai, marking their second consecutive ICC title. The spotlight has been on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, but head coach Gautam Gambhir deserves immense credit. His strategic decisions played a crucial role in India’s triumph. Below are three masterstrokes by Gambhir that made a significant impact.
- Varun Chakaravarthy became India’s top bowler after being recalled by Gambhir.
- Axar Patel’s promotion provided India with crucial middle-order stability.
- KL Rahul repaid Gambhir’s trust, performing in high-pressure situations.
1. Bringing in Varun Chakaravarthy
Varun Chakaravarthy’s comeback is one of the most remarkable in Indian cricket. Once criticized for his performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup, he proved his worth in the Champions Trophy 2025, emerging as India’s leading wicket-taker.
- Varun caught Gambhir’s attention during the IPL 2024 season while playing for KKR.
- His exceptional form earned him an international recall.
- He took 9 wickets in just 3 matches, becoming India’s joint-highest wicket-taker.
Varun’s Recent Bowling Performances
| Series/Tournament | Format | Wickets | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh Series | T20Is | 5 | 3 |
| South Africa Series | T20Is | 12 | 4 |
| England Series | T20Is + ODIs | 15 | 6 |
| Champions Trophy | ODIs | 9 | 3 |
Gambhir’s decision to include Varun Chakaravarthy proved to be a game-changing move.
2. Promoting Axar Patel Over KL Rahul
One of Gambhir’s boldest strategies was promoting Axar Patel up the order instead of KL Rahul. Traditionally a lower-order batsman, Patel’s elevation surprised many but turned out to be a tactical masterstroke.
- The left-right batting combination troubled opposition bowlers.
- Patel’s confident approach strengthened India’s middle order.
- His 42-run knock against New Zealand and crucial 20+ scores in the semis and final proved his value.
This move also boosted Patel’s confidence in bowling and fielding, making him an all-round asset for India.
3. Backing KL Rahul Over Rishabh Pant
Despite Rishabh Pant being India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, Gambhir chose to back KL Rahul in the Champions Trophy. This decision went against the management’s usual preference but paid off exceptionally well.
- Rahul had to adjust his batting position but performed consistently.
- He scored 140 runs in four matches, including two 40+ scores.
- His composed innings in the final against New Zealand played a key role in India’s victory.
KL Rahul’s Key Performances
| Opponent | Runs |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 41 (47) |
| New Zealand | 23 (29) |
| Semis vs Australia | 42 (34) |
| Final vs New Zealand | 34 (33) |
Gambhir’s belief in KL Rahul’s temperament and experience turned out to be a match-winning decision.
With these strategic decisions, Gautam Gambhir proved his tactical brilliance, guiding India to Champions Trophy 2025 glory.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
