During the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Australia in Dubai, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli expressed frustration at spinner Kuldeep Yadav. This occurred when Kuldeep dodged a hard throw from Kohli after Steve Smith took a single, leading to Rohit’s disappointment as he fielded the throw. Their visible anger at Kuldeep was widely shared on social media. Australia won the toss and chose to bat, making two lineup changes due to injuries, while India remained unchanged following their previous victory. This match marks the first ODI clash between India and Australia since the World Cup final in November 2023.
Virat Kohli (L) and Rohit Sharma© X (Twitter)
The Indian cricket team’s captain Rohit Sharma and star player Virat Kohli were left exasperated by Kuldeep Yadav during the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Australia in Dubai on Tuesday. In the 32nd over of the Australian innings, Steve Smith played the ball to Virat at mid-wicket and took a quick single off Kuldeep’s bowling. Virat swiftly collected the ball and made a strong throw towards the bowler, but Kuldeep chose to move away from the ball’s trajectory. Rohit, fielding at cover, caught the throw but was clearly displeased with Kuldeep’s lack of commitment. Both Virat and Rohit showed visible frustration towards the spinner, prompting an angry outburst that has since gone viral on social media.
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In regard to the match, Australia’s captain Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat against India in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Tuesday.
The victorious team will face either South Africa or New Zealand in Sunday’s final of the eight-nation 50-over tournament.
Australia made two changes, bringing in batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly and leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha to replace Matthew Short and Spencer Johnson.
Connolly, who bowls left-arm spin, joined the team as a replacement for Short, who was sidelined for the remainder of the tournament due to a thigh injury.
Australia emerged victorious in their opening match against Ashes rivals England, but their next two group phase matches were abandoned due to rain.
The India team, led by Rohit Sharma, remains unchanged from their victory over New Zealand in their last group match and includes four spinners in the lineup.
India has triumphed in all three of their matches and is currently playing in Dubai after deciding against touring the Champions Trophy hosts Pakistan for political reasons.
This semi-final marks the first ODI between India and Australia since the World Cup final in November 2023 in Ahmedabad, which Australia won.
The other semi-final is set to take place in Lahore on Wednesday.
(With AFP inputs)
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