The ICC Champions Trophy is being held for the 9th time this year. India has reached the final five times, winning the title only once. Another time, they were declared joint champions. In 2002, India faced Sri Lanka in the final, but the match had to be abandoned after two days due to rain, and since no clear winner could be determined, both teams were declared joint champions.

When selecting a tough opponent for India in any ICC competition, New Zealand often comes to mind. Today (Sunday), India will face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final. Can India take revenge for the loss they suffered 25 years ago? Can Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli change history?

In 2000, the ICC Champions Trophy second edition was held in Nairobi, Kenya. In the final, India faced New Zealand. India, led by captain Sourav Ganguly, had high hopes after his century, but Chris Cairns had other plans. Cairns single-handedly led New Zealand to victory, dashing India's dreams. Now, 25 years later, India has the chance to avenge that loss.

The 2000 final was not the only instance of India facing a setback against New Zealand in ICC competitions. In the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, India lost to New Zealand in the semi-final, which resulted in their exit from the tournament. After that defeat, MS Dhoni retired from international cricket. In the 2021 World Test Championship final, India lost again to New Zealand. Interestingly, New Zealand won both of their ICC titles by defeating India. Today (Sunday), New Zealand has the opportunity to win a third ICC title by defeating India once again.

India and New Zealand have faced each other 10 times in ICC tournaments, with both teams winning 5 matches each. However, when including the T20 World Cup, New Zealand has the edge. In 13 encounters in ICC white-ball competitions, New Zealand has won 8, while India has won 5. Therefore, the historical record favors New Zealand. But today, India has the chance to change that history.