The Indian team has secured its place in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by winning two consecutive matches. They will be joined by New Zealand, who also made it to the semis from Group A. Meanwhile, host Pakistan and Bangladesh have been eliminated from the tournament.
Now, India and New Zealand will face each other in their third and final group-stage match. This high-stakes match will be played on March 2 at the Dubai International Stadium. Both teams will aim to finish at the top of Group A with a win, making this an exciting contest.
Kohli’s Heroics Against Pakistan
All eyes will once again be on Virat Kohli in the India vs New Zealand match. Kohli played a magnificent innings against Pakistan, smashing a brilliant century. He scored an unbeaten 111 runs off 111 balls, marking his 51st ODI century and 82nd international century overall. His outstanding knock was filled with exceptional shots, helping India secure a crucial win.
Not just with the bat, Kohli also shone in the field. He took two brilliant catches, surpassing Mohammad Azharuddin’s long-standing record for the most catches by an Indian player in ODI cricket. By taking those catches, Kohli became the leading Indian fielder in terms of ODI catches, breaking Azharuddin’s record of 156 catches. Kohli now has 158 catches in ODIs, a record that showcases his exceptional fielding ability.
Kohli Set to Surpass Rahul Dravid
As India faces New Zealand in their next match, Kohli has a golden opportunity to break another massive record, this time set by the legendary Rahul Dravid.
Rahul Dravid currently holds the record for the most catches taken by an Indian player in international cricket. Over his career, Dravid played 509 matches and took 334 catches. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has played 547 matches and has taken 333 catches so far. This means Kohli needs just two more catches to surpass Dravid and become the highest catch-taker in Indian cricket history.
Chasing Mahela Jayawardene’s World Record
While Kohli is close to surpassing Dravid, the world record for the most catches in international cricket belongs to Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene. Jayawardene holds the record with an astonishing 440 catches in 652 matches.
Kohli, who is known for his fitness and dedication to the game, still has a long way to go if he wants to surpass Jayawardene. However, if he continues playing at the highest level for a few more years, breaking this record is not impossible.
The Importance of Fielding in Modern Cricket
Over the years, cricket has evolved significantly, and fielding has become a crucial aspect of the game. Earlier, players focused primarily on their batting or bowling skills, but modern cricket demands excellence in all three departments: batting, bowling, and fielding.
Virat Kohli has always been known for his commitment to fitness and athleticism. His sharp reflexes, quick movement on the field, and ability to take outstanding catches have made him one of the finest fielders in world cricket. Whether in the slips, covers, or boundary line, Kohli has showcased his brilliance time and again.
Kohli’s Journey as a Fielder
Kohli’s fielding journey has been impressive. From being a young and energetic player to becoming one of the most reliable fielders in the Indian team, he has set an example for aspiring cricketers. His ability to take stunning catches under pressure has helped India win crucial matches over the years.
Several of Kohli’s catches have been game-changing moments. Whether it’s a diving catch in the slips or a running catch near the boundary, his commitment to fielding is evident in every match he plays.
Kohli’s Other Records in Cricket
Apart from his fielding records, Kohli holds several remarkable records in international cricket:
- Fastest Indian to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs
- Most centuries in run chases in ODIs
- Only player to average over 50 in all three formats for an extended period
- Fastest to 70 international centuries
- Most double centuries by an Indian batsman in Test cricket
With such an outstanding career, it’s no surprise that Kohli is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
What’s Next for Kohli?
As India prepares for their semi-final match in the ICC Champions Trophy, Kohli will be aiming to continue his brilliant form. Whether with the bat or in the field, he remains a crucial player for the team.
If he manages to take two catches against New Zealand, he will surpass Rahul Dravid and add another incredible record to his name. Given his track record and consistency, it seems only a matter of time before he achieves this milestone.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s journey in international cricket continues to be extraordinary. His passion, dedication, and hunger for success keep pushing him towards new milestones. With Azharuddin’s record already behind him, it’s now Rahul Dravid’s turn to be overtaken. And who knows? If Kohli plays for a few more years, even Mahela Jayawardene’s world record might not be safe!
