Shreyas Iyer Shares The Special Drills Virat Kohli Undertook To Excel Against Pakistan In Champions Trophy 2025

India’s dominance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continued as they convincingly defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-stakes group-stage clash. The match, played in front of a packed stadium, saw Virat Kohli deliver a masterclass in batting, scoring an emphatic century that propelled India into the semi-finals of the tournament.

This win not only showcased India’s supremacy over their long-time rivals but also highlighted Kohli’s hunger for runs and his unwavering commitment to excellence. With Pakistan now officially out of the Champions Trophy 2025, India and New Zealand have secured their spots in the semi-finals from Group A.

But beyond the numbers and records, this victory was a testament to Virat Kohli’s relentless work ethic, something that his teammate Shreyas Iyer recently praised. The former Indian skipper’s meticulous approach to training and his never-ending thirst for success played a significant role in India’s triumph.

Virat Kohli’s Century: A Knock for the Ages

In a match that always carries high emotional and sporting stakes, Kohli proved once again why he is regarded as one of the greatest batters in cricket history.

The Match Situation

Pakistan set a challenging target of 273 runs, thanks to a fighting innings from their middle order.
India lost early wickets, including Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, putting pressure on the middle order.
Enter Virat Kohli, the man for big occasions, who once again stood tall against the pressure.

Kohli’s Flawless Knock

Unbeaten Century (103)* – Kohli played a masterful innings, mixing aggression with patience.
Anchor and Aggressor – He built partnerships, rotated the strike, and accelerated when needed.
Stunning Shots – Kohli’s knock included exquisite cover drives, powerful flicks, and well-placed boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking.
Match-winning Stand with Shreyas Iyer – A crucial 114-run partnership for the third wicket with Iyer (56 off 67) steadied India’s chase.

Kohli’s brilliance ensured that India cruised to victory by six wickets, making the chase look effortless despite the early setbacks.

Shreyas Iyer Praises Kohli’s Work Ethic and Hunger for Runs

While fans and experts were in awe of Kohli’s innings, his teammate Shreyas Iyer shed light on what makes Kohli a class apart.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Iyer emphasized Kohli’s commitment and work ethic, something that has been a defining feature of his career.

“I remember yesterday he had come almost an hour before us for the practice session. He played a few balls…he looked as crisp as he looks all the time. It’s just the mindset that he possesses over the years. He’s always hungry for runs. So, I never feel that he’s struggling for runs, to be honest,” said Iyer.

This revelation showcases why Kohli remains at the top of his game even at 36 years old. His dedication to his craft, even before a crucial match, speaks volumes about his discipline, preparation, and hunger for success.

Iyer, who shared a crucial 114-run stand with Kohli, also played a valuable innings of 56 off 67 balls, supporting the chase and ensuring that India stayed on track.

Pakistan’s Exit from Champions Trophy 2025: A Bitter End

This loss not only hurt Pakistan emotionally but also ended their campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025. With only one win in their group-stage matches, their chances of making it to the semi-finals depended on other results.

However, New Zealand’s dominant victory over Bangladesh sealed Pakistan’s fate, making their final group-stage match against Bangladesh a mere formality.

For a team that came into the tournament as the defending champions, Pakistan’s exit will be a massive disappointment for their players and fans. Their inconsistencies in batting and bowling, coupled with poor execution under pressure, led to their downfall.

India’s Road to the Semi-Finals: The Journey So Far

India’s road to the semi-finals has been nothing short of spectacular. With consistent performances in all departments, the team has looked like a strong contender for the title.

1. India’s Group-Stage Performance

Match 1: India vs Bangladesh – A dominant victory led by Shubman Gill’s century.
Match 2: India vs Pakistan – Virat Kohli’s heroics and Shreyas Iyer’s support ensured a clinical chase.
Upcoming Clash: India vs New Zealand – With both teams having already qualified, this will serve as a preview of a potential final showdown.

2. Strengths of the Indian Team

Batting Depth: From Gill, Kohli, Iyer, and Rohit Sharma to Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, India’s batting lineup has been in top form.
Bowling Dominance: With a strong pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, and spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, India’s bowling has been lethal.
All-Round Excellence: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel provide the perfect balance to the team, contributing in multiple departments.

3. Semi-Final Challenge: Who Will India Face?

With India securing their semi-final spot, they will now wait to see which team from Group B emerges as their opponent.

Possible contenders include:

South Africa – Known for their aggressive play and strong fast-bowling attack.
Australia – Despite fielding a relatively weaker squad, they remain a dangerous side in ICC tournaments.
England – Their explosive batting lineup makes them unpredictable.

No matter which team they face, India will head into the semi-finals as the favorites, given their dominant form and experienced squad.

Virat Kohli: The King of Big Matches

Time and again, Virat Kohli has delivered in high-pressure encounters, and his century against Pakistan only adds to his legendary status.

Kohli’s Record Against Pakistan in ICC Tournaments

2012 T20 World Cup: 78*
2015 ODI World Cup: 107
2016 T20 World Cup: 55*
2019 ODI World Cup: 77
2022 T20 World Cup: 82* (one of his greatest innings)
2025 Champions Trophy: 103* (his latest masterclass)

Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion and perform in high-pressure matches is unparalleled. This latest century only reinforces why he is considered one of the greatest batters in cricket history.

India’s Dream of Champions Trophy Glory Lives On

India’s triumph over Pakistan was more than just a win; it was a statement. A statement of dominance, preparation, and hunger for victory.

With Virat Kohli’s class, Shreyas Iyer’s support, and the team’s all-round excellence, India has stormed into the semi-finals, looking stronger than ever.

As the tournament heads into its knockout phase, Indian fans will be hoping that this dream run continues, leading to another ICC trophy for Team India.

And with Virat Kohli in this kind of form, anything is possible.

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