According to former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu, the contest between Virat Kohli and Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa will be a critical point in the upcoming Champions Trophy semifinal between India and Australia in Dubai on Tuesday. Rayudu pointed out that Zampa has dismissed Kohli five times in One Day Internationals since 2017. This adds extra intrigue to their encounter, especially on Dubai’s slow pitches.
Rayudu mentioned that since the beginning of 2024, Kohli has been dismissed by leg-spinners five times, scoring only 37 runs against them with a strike rate below 50. Speaking to JioHotstar, Rayudu stated, “The key battle in the semifinal will be Adam Zampa against Virat Kohli. While Virat has recently shown some vulnerability against leg-spin, his current form in this tournament should help him against Australia.”
In the recent match against New Zealand, Kohli started his landmark 300th ODI with a couple of fortunate boundaries. However, he was then dismissed for 11 runs after a brilliant catch by Glenn Phillips at backward point.
Rayudu commented on Kohli’s milestone game, saying that despite the unlucky dismissal, Kohli’s intent and hunger for a big score were evident. He emphasized Kohli’s history of performing well in important matches. “Unfortunately, Glenn Phillips made an incredible catch to get him out. It was simply a day where luck wasn’t on his side. Hopefully, he will convert this desire into a significant innings in the semifinals. We all want to see him perform at his best, and we are fully behind him. Glenn Phillips just spoiled the occasion,” Rayudu concluded.
