‘Ability To Rise To Occasion’: Former India Skipper Lauds Virat Kohli Before NZ Tie

Last Updated:March 01, 2025, 08:05 IST

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten hundred was a key factor in India’s dominant six-wicket victory over their arch-rivals Pakistan.

‘Ability To Rise To Occasion’: Former India Skipper Lauds Virat Kohli Before NZ Tie (Picture credit: AP)

On Friday, former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar said that Virat Kohli has a big-match temperament, lauding the star India batter for his brilliant century against Pakistan in Dubai last week.

Kohli‘s unbeaten hundred was a crucial factor in India’s dominant six-wicket victory over their arch-rivals.

The victory over Pakistan booked a semifinal spot for India with a match to spare, and the latter will play New Zealand in their final group stage game on Sunday, March 2.

“Virat is an outstanding cricketer, one of the best in the world. Although he hadn’t been scoring runs of late, I knew he would come through in a big match because of his ability to rise to the occasion. He’s got a big match temperament,” Vengsarkar said while speaking at an event in Kolkata.

“Not only did he score a hundred, but he remained not out until the very end, which is important for the team. This kind of contribution is very important from a senior player,” Vengsarkar added.

The former India captain lauded Kohli’s fitness and passion for cricket as well, wishing him continued success in the Champions Trophy. Kohli has scored 651 runs in 14 innings in the tournament, at a stunning average of 93.

“I hope he continues this form throughout the rest of the competition. He’s extremely fit, focused and passionate about cricket,” Vengsarkar said.

“India are doing extremely well in all the matches they have played so far. The team looks strong, with good all-rounders and excellent spinners. We have got a very good chance,” Vengsarkar added.

The Indian team put up commanding performances against Bangladesh and Pakistan in the group stage, but the biggest challenge still awaits in New Zealand. India are likely to face either Australia or South Africa in the semifinals.

“New Zealand and Australia are also very good, but they would have to adapt in Dubai. India have been in Dubai for some time; they have got the best chance to win,” Vengsarkar said.

Meanwhile, India have copped a lot of criticism for the ‘advantage’ of playing all their matches in Dubai. India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to security concerns, and eventually, the ICC, PCB and BCCI settled on a hybrid model for India.

For more in-depth coverage of the Champions Trophy, check out the latest Points Table to see where your favorite team stands. Stay updated on the tournament’s top performers with the Most Runs and Most Wickets leaderboards. Keep following for all the latest updates!