India captain Virat Kohli was brutally honest in assessing his team's below-par performance in a chastening 180-run loss to arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday.

India, strong favourites to retain the title, were outplayed in every aspect of the game by a revitalised Pakistan side who they crushed in the group stage of the tournament two weeks ago.

Despite the heavy loss, Kohli had a smile on his face.

"I want to congratulate Pakistan, they had an amazing tournament, the way they turned things around, speak volumes for the talent they have.

"They proved it again, they can upset anyone on their day, disappointing for us but I have a smile on my face because we played well to reach the final," Kohli added. 

Former Pakistan captain, Rashid Latif, however, praised the sporting spirit of Indian captain.

"Kohli had cautioned his team that this Pakistan team was on a winning wave and his words at the prize distribution ceremony was very sporting," he said.