Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, hopes that critics will stop questioning the Indian batter’s form after his match-winning century against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy clash in Dubai on Sunday, February 23.
Praising Kohli, Sharma emphasized that the 36-year-old once again proved his reputation as a big-match player. Kohli remained unbeaten on 100 off 111 balls, striking seven fours, as India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in match five of the tournament.
Earlier, Pakistan managed 241 while batting first, with Kuldeep Yadav taking 3/40. During the chase, Kohli anchored the innings, supported by crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer (56) and Shubman Gill (46).
Ahead of the match, Kohli faced scrutiny due to his inconsistent form in recent months. Speaking to PTI Videos after India’s victory, Sharma shared his thoughts on the batter’s performance:
“Ab to nahi puchoge ki Virat form mein nahi hai” (I hope, youwon’t ask me that Virat is not in form).”
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The 59-year-old expressed that Kohli has never truly been out of form. Sharing his views on the former India captain, he stated:
“He has been a big match player as I have always said and that is whathe has proved today. He has always performed well against tough opposition. Hehas been doing this for the last so many years. He is a guy who has won mostmatches for the country.”
“It’s a Huge Milestone” – Rajkumar Sharma on Virat Kohli Achieving 14,000 ODI runs
In addition to scoring his 51st ODI century, Virat Kohli became the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs during his innings in Dubai on Sunday. He now trails only Sachin Tendulkar (18,426) and Kumar Sangakkara (14,234) in the all-time run tally in one-day internationals. Reacting to the milestone, a proud Rajkumar Sharma shared his thoughts:
“Apart from 51st ODI and 82nd overall hundred, he has completed 14,000ODI runs as well. It is a big achievement and I am proud of him that he hasmade the whole country proud. We are all happy that he has given happiness to thewhole country,” he remarked.
Kohli has played 299 ODI matches so far, accumulating 14,085 runs at an impressive average of 58.20 and a strike rate of 93.41, including 51 centuries and 73 half-centuries.
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