Champions Trophy: Michael Bracewell Hails Virat Kohli Ahead Of His 300th ODI Match

February 28, 2025: As India gears up for their upcoming clash against New Zealand in the ongoing Champions Trophy, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, who is set to play his 300th One Day International (ODI) match. The 36-year-old batting legend will become the eighth Indian cricketer to reach this milestone, cementing his place among the game’s greats.

New Zealand’s seasoned all-rounder, Michael Bracewell, took a moment to congratulate Kohli ahead of his historic appearance, praising the Indian icon’s remarkable career. Kohli, who has been in sensational form, was instrumental in India’s victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, guiding them to chase down a 242-run target with a stellar performance.

Bracewell, who had the opportunity to witness Kohli’s dedication first-hand during their time together at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), emphasized the hard work and meticulous preparation Kohli puts into every match. “It’s obviously a massive achievement. Three hundred games across a career is very impressive, and to do that in just one format is amazing. I saw it first-hand at RCB how he prepared for each match, and it’s very impressive,” said Bracewell.

Virat Kohli’s 300th ODI appearance comes at a time when he is in excellent form, having recently silenced critics with his record-extending 51st ODI century against Pakistan, following a period of uncertainty around his form earlier in 2024. Kohli’s return to form has sparked excitement among Indian fans, and his presence in the middle order continues to pose a serious threat to their opponents in the Champions Trophy.

With India boasting a star-studded lineup, Bracewell acknowledged the challenge ahead. “He’s one of a number of class players in the Indian line-up, and they’ve all played a lot of cricket now. As I said, they’re going to be a challenging team to come up against, but we’re really excited about that challenge,” he said, reflecting on the impending battle between the two teams.

Despite Kohli’s exceptional form, Bracewell remained focused on the broader challenge posed by India’s entire squad, which includes several players with match-winning capabilities. “Yeah, they’ve obviously got great players across the board, Virat Kohli being one of them. He’s scored a lot of hundreds in one-day cricket, so he’s obviously a player that has done it over a number of years. We’re excited to play against India and the challenge that that provides,” Bracewell added.

As Kohli prepares for his 300th ODI, the final group-stage match of the Champions Trophy between India and New Zealand is set to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams will be looking to prove their mettle as the tournament heats up, with Kohli’s milestone adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.