'Glad He Is Playing ODI Cricket': R Ashwin In Awe Of Virat Kohli's Exceptional Innings vs PAK At Champions Trophy 2025

Champions Trophy 2025: Veteran Indian spin great R Ashwin is enthralled by Virat Kohli's incredible innings against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The recently retired Indian cricketer stated that he never doubted Kohli's quality and class, and he addressed the criticism he received during the Border Gavaskar Trophy series. Ashwin added that ODI cricket is Kohli's preferred format, and his unbeaten 100 against Pakistan could mark the beginning of the end of his rough patch.

R Ashwin Goes Gaga Over Virat Kohli's Innings vs PAK

Virat Kohli stood up to his 'Chasemaster' moniker when he helped Team India successfully chase down the target against Pakistan. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side was already in trouble after they fell flat against the Indian bowling attack. Kohli took care of the rest as he struck a beautiful innings where he scored his 51st ODI ton and smashed the winning runs for the Men in Blue. After going through a lean form, Kohli roared back in style and struck a spectacular innings against Pakistan. Virat's knock received praise from his former compatriots, R Ashwin.

"Virat’s class has not gone anywhere. I always said Virat Kohli’s engine room is ODI cricket. I am glad he is playing ODI cricket and this well could be his second coming. His confidence will only increase.

"We were saying prior to the match that it could be Virat Kohli’s game, and I had a good gut feeling. What an absolute stellar knock by Virat Kohli. 51st ODI hundred and 14,000 runs in ODI cricket; 60-70 matches less than the previous best batsman. What more can I say? He is an amazing player,” R Ashwin said on the 'Ash ki Baat' show in one of his videos on his YouTube channel.

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Team India Qualify For Semifinal In Champions Trophy

Virat Kohli's heroics against Pakistan allowed Team India to secure a grand-fashioned win at the Dubai International Stadium. The Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue continue to dominate the group stage after thrashing Bangladesh and Pakistan. The Indian side has officially qualified for the semi-final stage.

But before the semi-final, Team India has one more group stage match to go through, when they will be in action in the UAE. The Rohit Sharma-led side will be in action against New Zealand on March 2nd, 2025.  

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