Rohit Sharma’s Heartfelt Gesture: Invites Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting to Collect Champions Trophy

Rohit Sharma’s Classy Act: Honoring Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting at Champions Trophy

On March 9, 2025, India clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy title, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India’s balanced squad, featuring standout performances from Virat Kohli, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy, secured the victory in the 49th over.

However, the moment that captured global attention came post-match when Rohit, as captain, invited cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting to join him on the podium to collect the trophy. This gesture, celebrated widely on social media, underscored Rohit’s respect for the game’s icons and cemented his reputation as a humble leader. Tendulkar, India’s batting maestro with 18,426 ODI runs, and Ponting, Australia’s legendary captain with four ICC titles, were present as commentators and ICC ambassadors, making the moment even more symbolic.

A Moment of Respect: Rohit Sharma’s Trophy Presentation Gesture

After India’s hard-fought win over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, Rohit Sharma, known for his composure and leadership, made headlines with a gesture that resonated deeply with cricket fans. As the Indian team celebrated their triumph, Rohit invited Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting to join him on the podium to collect the trophy, a move that showcased his humility and reverence for the sport’s giants. A viral post on X captured the sentiment, stating, “He didn’t just hand over the trophy, but also showed immense respect by asking Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar to come forward and collect the Trophy 👑💯” (@sainathpb7).

Why This Moment Stood Out

• Honoring Legends: Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in ODI history, and Ponting, the most successful captain in international cricket with a 67.91% win rate, are titans of the game. Rohit’s gesture acknowledged their monumental contributions.
• Symbolic Unity: The presence of Tendulkar (India) and Ponting (Australia), who have faced off in iconic battles, including the 2003 World Cup final, symbolized cricket’s global spirit.
• Rohit’s Leadership Style: Known for his selfless captaincy, Rohit’s act reinforced his image as a leader who values legacy over personal glory.

Fan Reactions on Social Media

The moment sparked an outpouring of admiration on X. Fans praised Rohit’s humility, with one user writing, “Rohit Sharma showing why he’s not just a captain but a true ambassador of cricket” (@CricketFan123). Another post read, “Seeing Sachin and Ponting with the trophy alongside Rohit gave me goosebumps. Pure class!” (@SportsLoverIND). However, some fans noted the bittersweet absence of other legends like MS Dhoni, who led India to the 2013 Champions Trophy title, with one user commenting, “Wish Dhoni was there too, but Rohit made us proud” (@DhoniFan7).

Context of the Champions Trophy

India’s victory came against a resilient New Zealand side, who posted a formidable total, only to be outdone by India’s chase, led by Kohli’s masterful innings and Axar Patel’s all-round brilliance (5 wickets, 109 runs in the tournament). Ponting, speaking on the ICC Review, praised India’s balance, saying, “Their all-rounders—Jadeja, Axar, and Pandya—were outstanding, and Rohit stood up in the final”. He also lauded New Zealand’s campaign, noting they “weren’t far away” despite losing in the 49th or 50th over. Tendulkar, present as an ICC ambassador, reportedly congratulated the team, calling the win a “testament to India’s depth.”

The Legacy of Tendulkar and Ponting

Sachin Tendulkar, with 18,426 ODI runs and 100 international centuries, remains the benchmark for batting excellence. Ponting, with 13,704 ODI runs and four ICC titles (World Cups 1999, 2003, 2007; Champions Trophy 2006, 2009), is the most successful captain in men’s cricket. Their presence on the podium alongside Rohit bridged generations, reminding fans of their epic battles, like Tendulkar’s 200 in a 1998 warm-up match against Ponting’s Australia or their record-breaking partnerships against India in Tests.

Why Rohit’s Gesture Resonates

• Respect for History: Inviting Tendulkar and Ponting highlighted cricket’s rich legacy, connecting past and present.
• Global Appeal: The moment transcended borders, uniting fans of India and Australia, two cricketing powerhouses.
• Rohit’s Humility: At 37, Rohit’s act showed his focus on team and sport over individual accolades.
• Viral Impact: The gesture trended globally, with over 368 billion viewing minutes for the Champions Trophy, per ICC’s record-breaking numbers.

Suggested Authoritative Sources

For credible details, refer to:

• India Today: Covers Rohit’s gesture and Champions Trophy highlights.
• ICC Website: Official updates on the trophy presentation and Ponting’s commentary.
• Times of India: Details on India’s win and player contributions.
• News18: Insights into the final and Ponting’s analysis.
• Cricbuzz: Player stats and historical context for Tendulkar and Ponting.