The cricketing world once again marveled at Virat Kohli’s brilliance as he delivered a crucial innings of 84 runs in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against Australia at the Dubai International Stadium. His remarkable performance earned widespread admiration, reinforcing his reputation as a master of run chases. Among the many accolades he received, the highest praise came from Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev, who placed Virat Kohli above all in the art of ODI run chases.
Facing a target of 265 on a challenging pitch, India found themselves struggling early at 43 for two inside the powerplay. However, Virat Kohli’s composed and determined knock, supported by the middle order, guided the team to victory with 11 balls to spare. His contribution not only secured India’s place in the final but also made him the team’s highest run-scorer in the tournament so far. His match-winning effort was recognised with the Player of the Match award.
In an interview, the 1983 World Cup winning skipper expressed his admiration for Virat Kohli’s ability to handle high-pressure situations and his relentless drive for excellence. He highlighted Virat Kohli’s exceptional temperament and natural talent, emphasising that his ability to chase down targets sets him apart from others. While acknowledging the finishing prowess of MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev placed Virat Kohli a step ahead, stating that his composure and skill in run chases make him unparalleled.
India remains the only unbeaten team in the tournament, securing four consecutive wins on their way to a third successive Champions Trophy final. Their next challenge awaits in the form of the Kiwis, who claimed their spot in the final with a convincing 50-run victory over the South African cricketers in Lahore.
As the two teams prepare for Sunday’s title clash in Dubai, discussions around India’s chances of lifting the trophy continue. Given their dominant run, many consider them favourites but Kapil Dev reminded fans that in a tournament as competitive as the Champions Trophy, no team should ever be underestimated.
