The star batter was struck on the knee during a practice session but is expected to be fit for the final against New Zealand, according to team management.
March 8, 2025: As India gears up for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the team faced a major injury scare. Star batter Virat Kohli reportedly took a blow to his knee during a practice session, momentarily halting his training.
According to a report from Geo TV, Kohli was hit by a fast bowler’s delivery, forcing him to stop his session immediately. The Indian team’s physio rushed to attend to him, applying a spray and wrapping the injured area in a bandage. Kohli did not resume batting afterward, raising concerns ahead of the big match. However, the Indian coaching staff later clarified that the injury is not serious, and Kohli is expected to take the field for the final.
Kohli’s Key Role in India's Title Push
Kohli has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, particularly shining in India’s semi-final win against Australia, where he scored a match-winning 84. The innings, though short of a century, was a testament to his adaptability and hunger for victory.
Also Read: Champions Trophy: Sourav Ganguly Backs India To Clinch Victory Against New Zealand
A key highlight of Kohli’s performance has been his improved gameplay against spinners—a department that had troubled him in the past. His ability to counter Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed and Australia’s Adam Zampa has added an extra layer of confidence to his batting.
“Kohli spent additional hours in the nets perfecting his skills, ensuring he wouldn’t fall victim to spinners like he did against Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain earlier in the tournament,” a source revealed.
Zampa, who had previously dismissed Kohli five times in white-ball formats, posed a significant challenge in the semi-final. However, Kohli played cautiously, accumulating 23 runs off 24 balls against him and 12 off nine balls against Tanveer Sangha. His approach wasn’t flashy but proved crucial in India’s successful chase of 265 against Australia.
With India aiming for their second ICC title within a year—following their T20 World Cup triumph in 2024—the team will be hoping for another Kohli masterclass in the final. Despite the injury scare, fans and teammates will be banking on his resilience and experience to guide India to another historic victory.
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Last Updated on March 8, 2025 by Misha Bhatia
