How can an ICC knockout match between India and Australia take place without a heated moment? During the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma lost their cool at Kuldeep Yadav over a fielding lapse.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma lost their cool at Kuldeep Yadav
In the 32nd over of Australia’s innings, Virat Kohli threw the ball towards the non-striker’s end. Kuldeep Yadav, positioned near the stumps, deliberately let the ball pass, possibly assuming it would hit the stumps—despite Steve Smith already making it safely inside the crease.
Fortunately, Rohit Sharma was backing up and prevented an extra run. However, the moment triggered an angry reaction from both Kohli and Rohit. From the boundary line, Kohli was seen shouting a well-known Hindi expletive that coincidentally matches Ben Stokes’ name. Meanwhile, Rohit, equally frustrated, lashed out at Kuldeep, saying, “Ball pakad nahi sakta kya (Can’t you catch the ball?)”
Kohli and Rohit going all on Kuldeep 😠pic.twitter.com/xeEP8EVQhG
— Krish (@CJMFLiX) March 4, 2025
Kuldeep not only had to face Kohli and Rohit’s scolding but also had a tough day with the ball. The chinaman bowler delivered 8 overs without taking a wicket and conceded 44 runs. However, Kuldeep had been impressive during the group stage, picking up 5 wickets in 3 games.
Talking about the match, Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. After losing their first wicket at just 4 runs, captain Steve Smith and Travis Head steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership. Following Head’s dismissal, Smith held one end and played a brilliant knock of 73 runs. Alex Carey also contributed with a crucial 61-run knock towards the end, guiding Australia to a total of 264 runs.
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When this article was published, India had yet to begin their chase. If India wins, the final will be played in Dubai. However, if Australia emerges victorious, host nation Pakistan will get the opportunity to stage the title clash. In that case, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the final.
