Ravi Shastri highlights Virat Kohli's discipline as key to success
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has praised Virat Kohli for his exceptional consistency and discipline in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The 36-year-old has been instrumental in India's campaign, amassing 217 runs in four matches at an average of 72.33.
His standout performances include an unbeaten century against Pakistan in the group stage and a crucial 84 against Australia in the semi-final.
Here are further details.
Expert opinion
Shastri commends Kohli's match awareness
In a recent episode of the ICC Review, Shastri spoke about Kohli's evolution as a player.
He noted that while Kohli once seemed eager to outdo himself, he has now achieved greater stability in his game.
"His discipline, his awareness of match situations (are what sets him apart)," said Shastri. "But he's back to what he does best, which is take the singles, hit the ball along the ground," he added.
Team synergy
Shastri highlights Iyer's impact on Kohli's performance
Shastri also credited Shreyas Iyer's presence in the team for Kohli's performance.
He said having a player like Iyer helps Kohli rotate the strike effectively, which eases pressure.
"When you pick up singles with ease, there's no pressure," he added.
"And then when you have another guy at the other end, someone like Shreyas (Iyer) who comes and smacks it, it takes the pressure off."
Training insights
Kohli's leg-spin challenges and preparations
Kohli has struggled against leg-spin in the past, getting out 23 times in ODIs to such deliveries.
However, he dealt with two leg-spinners in the semi-final against Australia.
Meanwhile, ahead of the final, Kohli was spotted practicing against Varun Chakravarthy at the ICC Academy ground.
Notably, India's final opponent New Zealand do not have a leg-spinner in their squad.
Injury scare
Kohli struck on knee ahead of CT final
India face an injury scare in the form of Kohli, who reportedly suffered a knee injury during a practice session on Saturday.
According to Geo TV, Kohli was struck by a fast bowler's delivery, prompting him to stop training.
Meanwhile, the physio attended to him, applying a spray and wrapping the area with a bandage.
While he didn't bat afterward, the Indian coaching staff assured everyone that the injury isn't serious and that Kohli will be fit for the final.
Numbers
A look at the key numbers of Kohli (ODIs)
Kohli owns 14,180 runs across 301 ODIs at 58.11. He boasts a strike rate of 93.35 (289 innings). Kohli has smashed 51 tons and 74 half-centuries with a high score of 183.
In 17 Champions Trophy matches, Kohli has belted 746 runs at 82.88.
Meanwhile, according to ESPNcricinfo, across four editions of the Champions Trophy, Kohli has scored 299 runs against spin at 74.75 in 13 innings.
He also has been dismissed four times (balls faced: 347).