The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to deliver high-intensity cricket, featuring battles between the world’s top players. One of the most anticipated clashes will be between India’s legendary batter Virat Kohli and some of the finest pacers in world cricket.
- India begins its Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
- Several top fast bowlers could pose a serious threat to Virat Kohli.
- Bowlers with pace, swing, and bounce will be crucial against the Indian star.
Shaheen Afridi – Pakistan’s Lethal Weapon
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s star fast bowler, is one of the biggest threats to Virat Kohli. His ability to generate late swing and extract extra bounce makes him extremely dangerous.
- Afridi’s Strengths:
- Swinging deliveries in both directions.
- Deadly yorkers that target the base of the stumps.
- New ball specialist, making him a major threat early in the innings.
Virat Kohli has faced difficulties against left-arm pacers in the past. If Shaheen Afridi gets early movement, he could trouble the Indian superstar.
Marco Jansen – South Africa’s Towering Left-Arm Pacer
At 6 feet 8 inches, Marco Jansen is a unique challenge for any batter, including Virat Kohli. His high release point and ability to hit the deck hard make him a difficult bowler to face.
- Jansen’s Strengths:
- Generates extra bounce due to his height.
- Bowls tight lines, making scoring difficult.
- Can swing the ball both ways, making him unpredictable.
Virat Kohli will need to be cautious against Jansen’s rising deliveries, especially on fast pitches. The South African pacer can exploit any weakness in Kohli’s technique.
Jofra Archer – England’s Speed Sensation
Jofra Archer is known for his express pace and ability to bowl unplayable deliveries. His sharp bouncers, deceptive slow balls, and pinpoint yorkers make him a nightmare for batters.
- Archer’s Strengths:
- Consistently bowls at 145+ km/h.
- Has a knack for picking early wickets.
- Can generate sharp bounce even on slow pitches.
Archer has troubled Kohli before with his extra pace and steep bounce. Facing him under lights in Dubai could be a tough challenge for India’s batting star.
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule
India will begin its Champions Trophy 2025 journey against Bangladesh on February 20. Here is India’s complete group-stage schedule:
Match | Date | Venue |
---|---|---|
India vs Bangladesh | February 20 | Dubai |
India vs Pakistan | February 25 | Dubai |
India vs New Zealand | March 1 | Dubai |
Virat Kohli will play a key role in these matches. However, he must be prepared to face some of the toughest bowlers in world cricket.
Other Bowlers Who Could Challenge Kohli
Apart from Afridi, Jansen, and Archer, other bowlers who could trouble Virat Kohli in CT 2025 include:
- Pat Cummins (Australia) – Has extra pace and accuracy.
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) – If India faces itself in the knockout stages, Kohli will have to handle Bumrah’s unorthodox action and deadly yorkers.
How Kohli Can Overcome These Challenges
To succeed in ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Kohli must:
- Improve his technique against left-arm pacers like Shaheen Afridi.
- Be ready for extra bounce from bowlers like Marco Jansen.
- Counter express pace by trusting his footwork against Jofra Archer.
His ability to adapt to different conditions will determine his performance in the tournament.
Virat Kohli remains one of the best batters in world cricket, but he will face some of the toughest fast bowlers in Champions Trophy 2025. His ability to handle pressure and read bowlers will be crucial for India’s success. Fans will be excited to see if he can overcome these challenges and lead India to glory.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A |Â Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND