The Indian team clinched their third Champions Trophy when they defeated New Zealand in the final of the tournament in Dubai on Sunday. At the trophy presentation, each team member had to wear a white jacket before holding the prize aloft. So why do teams who have won the Champions Trophy since 2009 have to adorn a white blazer? We explain:
The white jackets symbolize the ultimate measure of greatness and determination, according to the International Cricket Council. It is a badge of honour adorned by champions and embody the relentless pursuit for tactical brilliance, and a legacy that inspires generations. Winning the white jacket signifies the journey of putting it all on the line for victory, ICC stated.
“The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy represents the best of the best and the unveiling of the white jacket, which symbolizes greatness, will now build the excitement of the event across the global cricket community,” Pakistan great Wasim Akram had revealed in the promo video of the Champions Trophy.
In the match on Sunday, skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with an excellent half-century as a resolute India held their nerve to win an unprecedented third Champions Trophy title with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand.
Bowling first after Rohit lost his 12th straight toss, India’s spinners restricted New Zealand to 251 for seven in the allotted 50 overs, with Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) making significant contributions with the ball.
India completed the chase of 252 with six balls to spare after Rohit (76 off 83 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62 balls) shone with the bat.
For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101 balls), Michael Bracewell (53 not out off 40 balls), and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29 balls) were the main contributors with the willow.