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Rediff.com  » Cricket » Shikhar Dhawan led the way, Rohit and Virat followed him
This article was first published 11 years ago

Shikhar Dhawan led the way, Rohit and Virat followed him

Last updated on: June 24, 2013 12:17 IST

Image: Shikhar Dhawan
Photographs: Getty Images

India's triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy was, without doubt, a deserving one.

MS Dhoni's team was the most consistent in the competition, winning all its five matches - seven, if one takes into consideration the two warm-ups, and dominating all, save the final (against England) which was a closely-contested affair.

A lot of India's success owed to the form of its batsmen. In fact, there were three Indians among the top five run scorers. 

The very consistent Shikhar Dhawan led the way. 

The opener amassed a whopping 363 runs in the competition to win the 'Golden bat', awarded to the tournament's highest scorer.

Among the left-hander's efforts were successive centuries in the opening two games, against South Africa and the West Indies. 

Trott amassed 229 runs

Image: Jonathan Trott of England

Jonathan Trott finished the tournament with the second highest aggregate. 

The England No.3 batsman scored 229 runs in five innings. 

Among Trott's koncks was the measured 82 not out against South Africa in the semi-finals.

Sangakkara single-handedly won it against England

Image: Kumar Sangakkara

Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara finished the tournament with an aggregate of 222 runs from four matches. 

The former captain single-handedly led his team to victory against hosts England, his unbeaten 134 ensuring Sri Lanka a seemingly improbable win. 

Rohit Sharma finally got going on the big stage

Image: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, for once, performed on the big stage. 

The talented batsman totaled 177 runs in five matches, at a healthy average (74).

Among his best efforts was a brilliant 65 in the opener against South Africa, and a measured 52 in India's second game against the West Indies. 

Kohli saved his best for the last

Image: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli further bolstered his growing reputation by notching 176 runs (@ 58.66).

The 24-year-old saved his best for last, scoring an unbeaten 58 in the semi-final win over Sri Lanka at Sophia Gardens (Cardiff).

Besides, it was his invaluable 43 in the final that ensured the Indian bowlers had something to bowl at.