Rohit was full of praise for Rahul's composure at the sharp end of the nerve-shredding chases."Look, when we discussed KL's batting position, that is one thing we discussed quite deeply about how calm he is when he is batting," Rohit said after guiding India to a third Champions Trophy crown.
New Zealand went down to India by four wickets in the title-decider in Dubai on Sunday, suffering a fourth loss in four short-format global finals over the last decade.
India won the Champions Trophy overcoming a plucky New Zealand by four wickets in a nervy final to cap their unbeaten campaign in the elite 50-overs tournament on Sunday.
According to broadcasters, the average turn was only 2.0 degrees on Sunday during New Zealand innings, the lowest in all five matches played so far in Dubai.
India, who refused to play in host nation Pakistan, have produced clinical performances to win all four of their matches in the United Arab Emirates, including a 44-run group-stage victory over the Black Caps last weekend.
Two ICC heavyweights, India and New Zealand, will duel for silverware, looking to be crowned the first Champions Trophy winner since Pakistan claimed the prize back in 2017.
Both teams have showcased exceptional skill and resilience throughout the tournament, making this showdown a fitting climax to the eight-nation competition.
Henry, who took 5-42 as New Zealand's bowlers restricted India to 249-9, said the Black Caps would not read much into the defeat.
New Zealand will take on Group B winners South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday.
Both New Zealand and India have booked their place in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. But first, they must face off to determine who tops Group A. This will also help settle up the semi-final permutations.
India play all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, a neutral venue selected after the country's board (BCCI) refused to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to political tensions.
With New Zealand already qualified for the semi-finals, selectors have the luxury of resting players for the final group match against India in Dubai on Sunday.
"But when we have nothing to lose, New Zealand teams can be dangerous. If there is a team that India will be nervous facing, it will be this New Zealand side."
Another masterful chase effort from Kohli helped India to a four-wicket win over New Zealand in Dharamsala.
The thick cloud descended on the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium from the nearby snow-capped peaks as India were chasing down New Zealand's 273.
