Speculation is growing about if the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final was the last ODI outing for some of India’s largest cricketing stars, most notably Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja.
Although there has been no formal announcement, supporters think Ravindra Jadeja could have played his last ODI after Virat Kohli was spotted hugging his longtime friend after Jadeja’s scintillating 10-over spell in the final against New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai.
Virat Kohli ran towards Jadeja and hugged him after his spell (10-0-30-1). Could it be his last ODI if India go on to win the Champions Trophy? #INDvsNZ #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/sRzCFhbf8G
— Debasis Sen (@debasissen) March 9, 2025
Jadeja’s Pivotal Spell in the Last
Ravindra Jadeja pitched in an economic and accurate spell, giving away only 30 runs in his share of 10 overs. He also had a vital contribution to end a crucial partnership by sending Tom Latham back.
Fans linked Kohli’s hug with Ravindra Jadeja to previous instances where he bid farewell to players stepping away from ODI cricket. He had shared an embrace with Steven Smith after Australia’s semifinal exit, following Smith’s departure from the format. Similarly, Kohli was seen embracing R Ashwin before the latter announced his retirement from international cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Kohli hugging Jadeja after his over , I think I’ve seen this before🙂 pic.twitter.com/1vyOARnTRw
— outside edge (@MeenakshiS325) March 9, 2025
Everyone is talking about how Jadeja hugged Kohli after finishing his 10 overs
Why? #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/5tGABTs0To— Ravi Ranjan🇮🇳 (@RaviRanjanIn) March 9, 2025
India Poised for Champions Trophy Glory
If this last ODI does signal Jadeja’s ODI farewell, he will finish his legendary career with 231 wickets from 204 matches. Already having retired from T20I cricket following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup a year ago, Jadeja seems to be taking it slow from the international stage after over 15 years of tireless commitment.
Attention also remains on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future in ODIs. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, it remains to be seen whether these stalwarts will continue in the format or pave the way for the next generation.
Indian Spinners Shine as New Zealand Post 251
In the decider, Jadeja supported impressive efforts by India’s spinners duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, who both took two wickets apiece. Their efforts did a good job in strangulating New Zealand’s run rate. But Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten half-century with a lot of dash helped the BlackCaps put up a fighting score of 251.
With India well-placed to win the Champions Trophy title, Jadeja’s potential ODI farewell could turn out to be one of the competition’s standout moments.
