Kohli Out to an Incredible Catch

In a pivotal Champions Trophy group-stage match on March 2, 2025, between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Virat Kohli's landmark 300th One Day International (ODI) appearance was overshadowed by a spectacular fielding effort from the Kiwis. 

After the early dismissals of openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Kohli took to the crease with the responsibility of stabilizing India's innings. However, his stay was cut short by an extraordinary catch that left fans and analysts in awe.

The dismissal occurred when Kohli attempted a cover drive off a delivery that was pitched full and wide outside off stump. The ball seemed destined for the boundary, but New Zealand's fielder at cover executed a full-length dive to his left, snatching the ball inches from the ground. This remarkable catch sent Kohli back to the pavilion, dealing a significant blow to India's batting lineup.

New Zealand have dropped only one catch in the tournament so far and this shows how brillian the fielding has been and to get a wicket like Kohli off a blinder off a shot, shows how New Zealand have marked up their fielding as the best side in the tournament so far.

This match also marked Kohli's induction into an elite group of Indian cricketers who have played 300 or more ODIs, joining legends like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Mohammad Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly, and Yuvraj Singh. 

As the tournament progresses, India will look to learn from this encounter, focusing on building partnerships and mitigating risks against agile fielding sides like New Zealand. Kohli's milestone, though marred by his early dismissal, remains a testament to his enduring contribution to Indian cricket.