India’s veteran cricketer Virat Kohli had one of his best nights on the cricket field in the last few months during the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan in Dubai. Kohli has been going through tough times recently but looked in excellent form against the arch-rivals.
However, it wasn’t enough to please the legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar, who blasted Virat Kohli for an immature act during the match that could have resulted in his dismissal. However, he was able to escape as nobody in the Pakistan team appealed.
Watch: Imam-ul-Haq takes unbelievable catch to dismiss Shreyas Iyer in IND vs PAK clash
What was the incident?
The incident happened during the 21st over of the second innings when India were batting. Virat Kohli tried to take a quick single off the fast bowler Haris Rauf after playing the ball between cover and point.
Kohli reached the non-striker’s end comfortably, therefore escaping the run out chance. However, he tried to stop the incoming throw with his hands by bending down despite the ball away from his body.
It was unusual to see a player of the stature of Kohli make such an immature mistake as he is a cricketer with great game awareness. He could have easily been dismissed at that point had Pakistan appealed for obstructing the field.
However, nobody on the opposition side appealed and Kohli was able to carry on. Surprisingly, there was no fielder behind him and it could have resulted in overthrows as well. Babar Azam was behind Kohli at that point and it would have been difficult for him to stop the ball even with a dive.
Sunil Gavaskar blasts Virat Kohli for immature act
Sunil Gavaskar, who was doing commentary at that point, was furious for Virat Kohli’s brain fade moment. He expressed his displeasure at Kohli’s antics and claimed that he would have been in the hut had Pakistan made an appeal.
“Nobody is backing up. The fielder at the midwicket would’ve had to dive, but there was no need for him to interfere with the progress of the ball. He’s lucky nobody has appealed,” Gavaskar said.
— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) February 23, 2025
Kohli was batting on 42 at that point and India were 116-2 with Shreyas Iyer still new to the crease. His wicket could have made things difficult for India but the 36-year-old was lucky to survive.
Virat Kohli smashed his 51st ODI hundred
After this incident, Virat Kohli didn’t give any chance to the opposition and made his way to his 51st ODI century. It was a knock that was due for a lot of time as Kohli turned back the clock in his way.
He started the innings in his usual fashion without taking any undue risks. He rotated the strike constantly and made sure to pick up singles and doubles. The 36-year-old completed his hundred with the final ball of the match as he smashed Khushdil Shah for a four through covers.
He finished unbeaten on 100 off 111 balls with 7 fours. Kohli collected 72 runs through running between the wickets which shows his immense fitness level. With this win, India have reached closer to a spot in the semi-final while Pakistan are on the brink of an exit.
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