Kuldeep Yadav was on the receiving end of India skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s anger after he missed a vital run-out chance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai. It happened in the 41st over of New Zealand’s innings when Michael Bracewell tried to take a rapid single by pushing Kuldeep’s delivery towards point.
Ravindra Jadeja, with his laser-like accuracy, surprisingly missed the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Bracewell was short of his crease nonetheless, and a straightforward backup by Kuldeep Yadav would have given India a crucial wicket. Instead, Kuldeep did not back up behind the stumps, losing his team a precious dismissal.
Rohit and Kohli Show Anger Over Erratic Mistake of Kuldeep Yadav
This was the second time in consecutive games that Kuldeep had fluffed a chance of this nature. In India’s semi-final encounter against Australia, a similar scenario had emerged when Steve Smith had tried a single off Kuldeep’s delivery. Kohli, who was at mid-wicket, picked up the ball quickly and fired in a powerful throw towards the stumps, but Kuldeep moved out of the way instead of going for a run-out.
In the last game, Rohit was irked with the lack of reaction from Kuldeep. A video that went viral on social media showed Rohit’s irritation when he questioned the spinner’s place, stating, “Stumps ke peeche kyu nahi aata hai? (Why don’t you get behind the stumps?).” Kohli too looked angry, reminding his team of the earlier error on the part of Kuldeep during the semi-final.
Kuldeep missed the opportunity to run out..
Rohit Sharma: stump pe kyu nhi aata ha tu…??#INDvsNZ | #ChampionsTrophyFinal #ChampionsTrophy2025 #ViratKohli #SSMB29 #TeamIndia #kuldeepyadav #RachinRavindra #VarunChakaravarthy #KaneWilliamson #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/NZAxNZxEE0— HARSH VARDHAN (@HARSHUPAL590618) March 9, 2025
India Needs 252 to Win the Champions Trophy
Though the chance was lost, India’s bowlers made a great effort, limiting New Zealand to 251/7 in their 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell scored the most for the BlackCaps with 63 from 101 balls, and Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 gave the finishing touches. The efforts of Rachin Ravindra (37) and Glenn Phillips (34) took New Zealand to a fighting total.
Kuldeep and Varun Chakravarthy were the star bowlers for India, taking two wickets each. Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami also contributed a wicket each so that the Kiwis could not put up a daunting target.
India requires 252 runs to win the Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Blue, with their robust batting lineup, spearheaded by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will be keen to run down the target and hoist the coveted trophy.
