Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar strongly defended India captain Rohit Sharma after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed called him “fat for a sportsman” and “the most unimpressive captain.” Mohamed deleted the post after backlash. Gavaskar dismissed the criticism, saying, “If you want only slim guys, then go to a modelling competition.” He emphasized that mental strength matters more than physique in cricket. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also slammed the remarks, calling them “shameful” and urging politicians to avoid body-shaming athletes. The controversy has sparked widespread debate among cricket fans and political leaders.

India’s cricket legend Kapil Dev hailed Virat Kohli as the ultimate ODI run-chase specialist after India knocked Australia out of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. Kohli’s composed 84 anchored India’s victory, reaffirming his dominance under pressure. "He has the temperament, talent, and class. Dhoni used to do it, but Kohli is a step ahead," Kapil Dev told India Today. The former captain highlighted Kohli’s unmatched ability to handle chases. India's win propels them to the semi-finals, further solidifying Kohli's reputation as the greatest among greats in run chases.

Virat Kohli scored 84 runs in India's successful 265-run chase against Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai. Despite missing a hundred by 16 runs, Kohli emphasized that team victories matter more than personal milestones. "If I get to the three-figure mark, great, but the win is important," he said. Kohli’s knock helped India knock out the reigning world champions. He also surpassed 8,000 runs in ODI run chases. India now advances to the final, aiming for another ICC title.

Virat Kohli's 84 off 98 balls powered India to a 4-wicket victory over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai. Kohli became the fastest batter to surpass 8,000 ODI chase runs, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Shreyas Iyer (45) and KL Rahul (42*) provided crucial support as India chased 265 with 11 balls to spare. Kohli also awarded player of the match for his crucial innings. ĤHardik Pandya’s 28-run cameo added late momentum. Mohammed Shami (3/42) led India’s bowling attack. India reached its third consecutive Champions Trophy final and will face either New Zealand or South Africa.

India secured a place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final after defeating Australia by 4 wickets in Dubai. Chasing 265, India reached the target in 48.1 overs, with KL Rahul (42*) sealing the win with a six off Glenn Maxwell. Shreyas Iyer (76) and Virat Kohli (58) anchored the chase, while Hardik Pandya (28) provided late fireworks. Australia’s Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa tried to turn the game, but India remained unbeaten in the tournament. Steve Smith's team is eliminated as India awaits its final opponent.

Virat Kohli continued his stellar form in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against Australia, scoring a composed half-century to keep India on track in their 265-run chase. However, India suffered a setback as Shreyas Iyer, who was looking strong, lost his wicket after a well-made 65. Kohli became the only batter in the world with a 60-plus average in ODI chases, further cementing his legacy. Earlier, Mohammed Shami’s 3/48 helped restrict Australia to 264. With Kohli at the crease, India remains in control of the chase.

India bowled out Australia for 264 in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final. "It was a disciplined effort," said a team source. Mohammed Shami starred with 3/48, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each. Axar Patel claimed one. Despite the collapse, Australia posted the highest total at the venue, thanks to Steve Smith’s 73 (96), Alex Carey’s 61 (57), and Travis Head’s 39 (33). India now faces a 265-run chase for a place in the final.

India put Australia under pressure in the Champions Trophy semifinal, reducing them to 206/6 in 38 overs. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja played a key role, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne (29) and Josh Inglis (11). Mohammed Shami cleaned up Steve Smith, while Axar Patel removed Glenn Maxwell. Earlier, Shami struck early, removing Cooper Connolly (0), and Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Travis Head (39). The Indian team sported black armbands in honor of domestic cricket great Padmakar Shivalkar, who passed away at 84. Australia, after winning the toss, made two changes, bringing in Connolly and Tanveer Sangha. India retained their previous playing XI. The match remains poised as the innings progresses.

In the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal between India and Australia, Australian opener Travis Head showcased aggressive intent, scoring 39 runs off 33 balls, including two sixes and five fours. His innings, however, was cut short by India's mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who dismissed Head on his very first delivery. Attempting an expansive shot, Head mistimed the ball, leading to a catch by Shubman Gill at long-off. This pivotal wicket came in the ninth over, with Australia's score at 54. Indian fans erupted in joy, expressing their relief on social media, highlighting Head's history of impactful performances against India in previous ICC tournaments.

In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final at Dubai, Australia won the toss and elected to bat against India. The match began with India's Mohammed Shami dismissing Connolly for a duck, caught by KL Rahul. Ravindra Jadeja then trapped Marnus Labuschagne LBW, reducing Australia to 4-2. Steve Smith and Travis Head attempted to stabilize the innings, but India's spinners, particularly Jadeja and Varun Chakravarthy, maintained tight control, restricting scoring opportunities. The sparse early crowd, predominantly supporting India, grew as the match progressed. Notably, discussions arose regarding India's matches being held in Dubai instead of Pakistan, sparking debates about fairness and political influence in cricket.