Champions Trophy: We've got a squad that is ready to take on the world, Virat Kohli says

Dubai: Following India's Champions Trophy triumph, star Indian batter Virat Kohli said the team is "ready to take on the world for next eight years".

"I feel we have a squad that is ready to take on the world for the next 8 years," Kohli said in the post-match ceremony.

India secured their third Champions Trophy title, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a nail-biting final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. This victory marks India's second successive white-ball title win.

Talking after the match, Kohli said, "It has been amazing, we wanted to bounce back after a tough Australian tour (Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25), and wanted to win a big tournament, so to win the Champions Trophy is amazing.

"So much talent in the dressing room, they are trying to take their game further, and we are just happy to be of help (role of the seniors), sharing our experience, and that is what makes this Indian team so strong. These are the things you want to play (for titles), playing under pressure and putting your hand up. The whole team, everyone has put their hands up sometimes or other (during the course of the tournament), everyone has put up impactful performances, we have been part of an amazing team, the amount of work we have done in the practice sessions, it feels great (to win). When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place."

Virat hailed Shubman and Shreyas for their top knocks in the competition, KL for adjusting to the role of finisher, and Hardik for also chipping in with the bat.

"Shubman has been outstanding, Shreyas has played some top knocks, KL has finished games, and Hardik has been superb with the bat," he said.

Speaking about the New Zealand team, Virat said that he felt sad that his good friend Kane Williamson, the premier Kiwi batter, had to end up on the losing side.

"We have always been in awe with what they can do, the limited number of players in the talent pool, but they just execute plans so well, they keep playing the kind of cricket that keeps them very much in the game. They have always been attacking and supportive of the bowlers. Credit to them; they are easily the best fielding unit. Sad to see a very good friend of mine on the losing side (on Kane Wiliamson), but they are always so good, and they keep doing the basics well. That's what makes them such a competitive unit," he concluded.