CT OF DREAMS

After multiple heartbreaks, India win 50-over world title in the format they have been dominating since 2013

- GOMESH S

RAVINDRA Jadeja was looking at the ball, the most significant pull he has ever played, while running across the pitch at the Dubai International Stadium. The moment he knew the ball was heading for a four, he collided into William O'Rourke. He had no idea who was in front and he didn't care. Neither did Rahul who had his arms aloft, soaking it all in before being embraced by Jadeja. They are Champions of the world.

India have beaten New Zealand by four wickets to win their first 50-over world title since 2013. In many ways, it was a long overdue triumph and it showed in the emotions displayed. Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh ran on to the field, overjoyed. Away in the dug out an elated Virat Kohli let it all out with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar before playing dandiya with his captain Rohit Sharma using the stumps. As the head coach Gautam Gambhir walked down onto the ground, he was lifted over the shoulders by Jadeja. They know what this victory meant. And they know it did not come easy.