ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory celebrations for India national cricket team have sparked debate on social media after several clips showed all-rounder Hardik Pandya holding the trophy for extended photo sessions during the post-match celebrations.
India secured the Champions Trophy title after defeating New Zealand national cricket team by four wickets in the final held in Dubai. The team successfully chased a target of 252 runs, with captain Rohit Sharma leading from the front with a crucial performance that helped India clinch the prestigious title.
However, soon after the match, videos circulating on social media showed Hardik Pandya holding the trophy for long poses while celebrating on the field. Some viewers claimed that the all-rounder appeared to dominate the trophy celebrations, while teammates such as Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh were seen waiting for their turn to hold the trophy in a few clips.
The visuals quickly triggered mixed reactions online. A section of fans criticised Pandya, calling the gesture “self-centred” and saying the moment should have been shared equally among the players after a historic victory. Some posts also pointed out his affectionate moments with his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma during the celebrations, which further fueled discussions among fans.
At the same time, many supporters defended Pandya, reminding critics of his valuable contributions to Indian cricket in recent years. Fans highlighted his match-winning performances in major tournaments, including the team’s triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, where he played a key role as an all-rounder.
Despite the controversy, India’s Champions Trophy win remains a major achievement for the team. The incident also reflects the intense emotions and passionate reactions that cricket victories often generate among fans in the country. As celebrations continue across India, discussions around the viral clips show how closely supporters follow every moment involving their cricket heroes.