A humorous video featuring Virat Kohli and Axar Patel is gaining traction on social media after India’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand in Dubai. During the game, Axar dismissed Kane Williamson, who scored 81, leading to New Zealand’s collapse. In a lighthearted moment, Kohli attempted to touch Axar’s feet in congratulations, but Axar playfully stopped him. India won the match by 44 runs, with Varun Chakravarthy earning the Player of the Match title for his five-wicket haul (5 for 42). India’s total of 249 was bolstered by Shreyas Iyer’s 79 and Hardik Pandya’s 45.
A humorous video featuring Virat Kohli and Axar Patel from India’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand is rapidly gaining traction on social media. During the Group A game held in Dubai on Sunday, the Blackcaps were pursuing a target of 250. Kane Williamson anchored one end, pushing New Zealand forward in the chase, even as India made strategic comebacks with wickets at regular intervals. The batter was in a position to steer the game away from India until Axar dismissed him for 81 runs, leaving New Zealand in a precarious situation.
As players rallied to congratulate Axar on the wicket, Kohli approached him to touch his feet, but the spinner playfully stopped him, leading to a lighthearted moment.
Watch it here:
Kohli touching Axar Patel’s feet after he dismissed Williamson#Kohli #AxarPatel #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/mJmgQ95Y15
— voodoo mama juju (@ayotarun) March 2, 2025
Varun Chakravarthy achieved a remarkable five-wicket haul (5 for 42) as India triumphed over New Zealand by 44 runs in their final Group A match in Dubai. This victory secured India the top position in the group, setting up a semi-final match against Australia, who finished second in Group B.
In pursuit of the 250-run target, the Blackcaps were all out for 205. Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets, while Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja each claimed one.
Earlier, Shreyas Iyer made a vital contribution with 79 runs, accompanied by Hardik Pandya’s 45 and Axar Patel’s 42, leading India to a total of 249 for 9 after they were invited to bat first. India encountered early setbacks, losing Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli for just 30 runs. However, a 98-run partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel steered them back on track. For the Blackcaps, Matt Henry excelled as the leading bowler with a five-wicket haul (5 for 42).
Varun Chakravarthy was honored as the Player of the Match for achieving his first-ever five-wicket haul in only his second game.
“Initially, I felt a bit nervous. I haven’t played many matches for India in the ODI format, but as the game progressed, I became more comfortable. Virat, Rohit, Shreyas, and Hardik were there to support me, which was encouraging. (Regarding when he found out he was playing) I learned last night. I was hopeful about playing for the country, but nervousness lingered. It wasn’t a rank turner, but bowling in the right areas proved beneficial. The way Kuldeep, Jaddu, and Axar performed, along with the pace bowlers, showcased a fantastic team effort,” the spinner said post-match.
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