India’s star batter Virat Kohli gave the team a brief injury scare during a practice session on Friday, just days before the highly anticipated Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai on March 9. According to a report by Geo News, Kohli was struck near his knee while facing a pacer in the nets, bringing his training session to an abrupt halt.
The Indian physio staff quickly attended to him, applying a spray and wrapping his knee with a bandage. Despite some initial discomfort, Kohli chose to remain on the field, closely watching the rest of the session, a reassuring sight for teammates and support staff. The Indian camp later confirmed that the injury was minor and that Kohli would be fully fit for the final.
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While India enters the final as favourites, history suggests that New Zealand has often been their Achilles’ heel in ICC tournaments. The Black Caps lead India 10-6 in overall ICC event encounters and hold a 3-1 advantage in knockout matches, making them a formidable opponent. The 2000 Champions Trophy final still haunts Indian fans, where New Zealand triumphed by four wickets in Nairobi.
Indian cricket team’s star batter, Virat Kohli, sustained an injury ahead of the highly anticipated International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
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In the lead-up to the final, some have argued that India has an unfair advantage due to their extended stay in Dubai. However, with New Zealand having already played and won matches in these conditions, the argument holds little weight.
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India is expected to retain their winning combination of four spinners and two pacers. If the final is played on the same sluggish pitch that hosted the India-Pakistan match, the spin quartet could once again prove decisive. However, New Zealand’s own spin attack, which rattled India in a Test series last year, could also pose a threat as they chase their first ICC ODI title in 25 years.
