India is going to play New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Rohit Sharma’s team is looking to win its second ICC trophy within a year, having triumphed in the T20 World Cup in June 2024.
Rohit and his team have been in top form throughout the tournament, securing victories in all three of their group-stage matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. They continued their dominance by defeating Australia in the semi-final to earn a spot in the summit clash.
Virat Kohli’s Injury Scare Ahead of Final
India was left with a moment of panic when star batsman Virat Kohli got injured in the knee during training. A report by Geo TV said that Virat Kohli was hit on the knee by the ball from a fast bowler. The physio immediately treated him, spraying and bandaging the wound.
Although Kohli stopped training afterward, the Indian coaching staff confirmed that the injury was not serious and assured that the star batter will play the final.
Kohli’s Semifinal Knock: A Statement of Determination
Kohli’s 84-run knock against Australia in the semi-final was a masterclass in determination, though it fell short of a century. Had he reached three figures, it would have been his 25th century while chasing. However, the innings showcased two crucial aspects of his game.
Box No.1: Overcoming Spin Troubles
Spin bowling had long been a challenge for Virat Kohli, especially against England’s Adil Rashid and Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain. But his show in the semi-final suggested that he has worked on this flaw successfully.
Box No.2: A Personal Battle Against Australia
The knock also reflected Kohli’s intent to defeat an opponent that had caused heartbreak for both him and India in previous ICC events. This innings was not just about runs; it was a declaration that he still has more to achieve.
Kohli’s Hard Work at the Nets Pays Off
Kohli’s success in the semi-final did not come without effort. Ahead of the match against Pakistan, he spent an extra two hours in the nets refining his skills after being dismissed cheaply against Bangladesh. His determination helped him counter Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed and prepared him for Australia’s Adam Zampa.
Kohli vs Zampa: A Battle of Strategies
The sedate Dubai pitch made it more difficult for Kohli, with Zampa’s leg-spin gaining more bite. Zampa had bowled Kohli out five times in white-ball cricket since 2017. Kohli had generally pushed back, scoring 264 runs off 245 deliveries against Zampa at a strike rate of 107 prior to the Champions Trophy semi-final.
But Kohli adjusted his strategy to the slow Dubai pitch, playing cautiously. He made 23 runs off 24 balls against Zampa and 12 runs off nine balls against Tanveer Sangha. Although Zampa eventually dismissed Kohli, he helped India successfully chase down the 265-run target.
India Rely on Kohli for the Final
As India gets ready for the final against New Zealand, everyone will be watching Kohli to repeat his performance. His resilience and ability to adapt will play a pivotal role as India hopes to win the Champions Trophy for the second time.
Though there was a scare about his injury, Kohli is all set to play in the final, increasing India’s chances of claiming another ICC trophy with Rohit Sharma as captain.