Virat Kohli has been one of the greatest players in Indian cricket for many years. While his recent Test performances have not been his best, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has a clear message: Do not underestimate Kohli in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Kaif believes Kohli’s experience, skill, and incredible white-ball record make him a key player for India’s success.
Kohli’s White-Ball Record is Exceptional
Kohli’s recent struggles in Test cricket have been widely discussed. In the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he scored only 190 runs in nine innings. However, Kaif reminds everyone that white-ball cricket is a different game, and Kohli has always excelled in it.
Kohli’s ODI record is outstanding:
- 13,906 runs in 295 matches
- 50 centuries and an average of 58.18
These numbers show how consistent and reliable he has been in the 50-over format. Kaif says, “Forget what happened in Tests. White-ball cricket is where Kohli shines.”
Kohli’s Strong Performance in Dubai
The Champions Trophy will be held in Dubai, a place where Kohli has performed very well in the past. His unbeaten 122 off 61 balls against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup is a great example of how well he can play in UAE conditions.
Dubai’s pitches are known to be tough for batters. The average first-innings score in ODIs here is just 198. But Kohli’s experience and ability to adapt make him a crucial player for India in these conditions.
Kohli’s Mental Strength and Comeback Ability
Kaif calls Kohli the “uncrowned king” of white-ball cricket. He points out Kohli’s ability to bounce back after tough moments. For example, after India’s loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Kohli led the team to victory in the T20 World Cup.
Kaif believes that if Kohli starts well in the Champions Trophy, he will be unstoppable. “Once he gets going, there’s no stopping him,” Kaif says.
The Importance of Kohli and Rohit’s Partnership
Kaif also talks about the importance of Kohli’s partnership with Rohit Sharma. Together, they form the backbone of India’s batting lineup.
- Rohit’s Role: Aggressive starts during the powerplay.
- Kohli’s Role: Stabilizing the innings and anchoring till the end.
Both players are in the later stages of their careers, making their contributions in the Champions Trophy even more important.
Challenges in Dubai vs. Pakistan’s Pitches
India will play all their matches in Dubai, where the pitches are low-scoring. In contrast, Pakistan’s pitches are more batting-friendly, with an average first-innings score of 298.
Kaif notes that Indian batters will need to adjust to Dubai’s conditions. Patience and partnerships will be key. Kohli’s ability to score runs in tough conditions could be the difference for India.
Kaif’s Final Thoughts
Mohammad Kaif’s confidence in Kohli comes from his proven ability to deliver in big tournaments. With the Champions Trophy likely being Kohli’s last ICC 50-over event, Kaif urges fans to support him.
“The era has not ended—it will continue,” Kaif says. Kohli’s legacy in white-ball cricket is far from over, and the Champions Trophy could be another chapter in his incredible career.