Five lessons India learnt from the ICC Champions Trophy 2013

MS Dhoniof India celebrates with his team-mates as India beat England to win the ICC Champions Trophy Final at Edgbaston on June 23, 2013 in Birmingham, England. (Getty Images)

4. Trust the leader

MS Dhoni contributed little with the bat in this tournament but his role as skipper was more than impressive. In the opening game against South Africa, India were on the back-foot in spite of putting up a massive total on the board as the Proteas got off to a healthy start. MS Dhoni used the spinners and his tactical skill to shackle the run rate. The net-run-rate began to climb and a number of run-outs were testament to the panic that was created by the mounting pressure.

He was equally good against England in the last match setting aggressive fields to defend a low total. One can pick out an odd moment in that match – Ishant Sharma’s two consecutive wickets for instance – and say that it was lucky but he still had to put the right man at the right place.