Virat Kohli silenced critics by scoring a decisive century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, leading India to a 6-wicket victory. Needing only two runs to win, Kohli showcased his talent by hitting a boundary to reach 100, with captain Rohit Sharma encouraging him to hit a six for his ton. This performance not only solidified India’s chances for the semi-finals but also marked Kohli’s achievement of the fastest 14,000 ODI runs. Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu praised the team’s unity and the bond between Kohli and Sharma, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie in cricket.
After a prolonged period of speculation regarding his recent performance and consistency on the international scene, Virat Kohli marked his return to form with a remarkable century, leading India to victory against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy match on Sunday. With just two runs required for victory, Kohli struck a boundary to complete his ton. India captain Rohit Sharma, watching from the dressing room, encouraged his long-time teammate to hit a six to reach the milestone. This moment left fans on social media exhilarated, and even former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu was taken aback by the joy evident on Rohit’s face as Kohli celebrated his achievement.
Kohli achieved his century with a boundary, which also secured a 6-wicket win for India over Pakistan. This result effectively dashed Pakistan’s hopes of making it to the semi-finals while placing India in an advantageous position for the last four.
What a match and what a win!
Outstanding collaboration by our Men in Blue in the #INDvsPAK Champions Trophy clash in Dubai.
Congratulations to @imVkohli for his match-winning century and achieving the remarkable milestone of the fastest 14,000 runs in ODIs. Best wishes to our team for… pic.twitter.com/gF0fMMv6iE
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 23, 2025
Commenting on Kohli’s impressive run-chase and India’s success against Pakistan, Sidhu noted that more than Kohli’s batting heroics, it was the joy on Rohit’s face that filled him with confidence.
“More than what Virat Kohli did, what struck me today was Rohit Sharma’s radiant expression. Observing Kohli’s hundred was about the look on his face. Creating a masterpiece requires a full orchestra, not just a solo artist. It’s a collective effort, and when the team takes pride in the achievements of a fellow player, it signifies a strong, cohesive unit working together as one family, valuing each other’s efforts. This pride is an inspiration for the next generation. These two will pass the baton,” Sidhu said during a discussion on Star Sports.
Though it’s evident that both Virat and Rohit are approaching the twilight of their careers, it’s the bond and camaraderie they have developed over the years that brings joy to Sidhu.
“As they continue their journey, it’s only a matter of time. In two years, or three—it’s inevitable. It’s easy to share someone’s sorrow, but to share their joy reflects true friendship and camaraderie. I observe these small moments, which ultimately create a significant impact in a team sport.”
Topics mentioned in this article