Champions Trophy: Kohli’s Coach Fires Back at Critics After 51st ODI Century

Former India skipper Virat Kohli silenced his critics by hitting his 82nd century in the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium. Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma feels that people will no longer question Kohli's form now. Kohli's stunning century guided India to a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan, earning their semifinal berth.

This was Kohli's first ODI century since November 2023. He had been facing a lot of criticism for not scoring big runs in the past couple of years.

"I hope, you won't ask me that Virat is not in form," Sharma told PTI. 

"He has been a big match player as I have always said and that is what he has proved today. He has always performed well against tough opposition," Sharma said of Kohli's unbeaten 100 that also fetched the Player of the Match award last night. He has been doing this for the last so many years. He is a guy who has won most matches for the country," he added.

During the match against Pakistan, Kohli was the quickest batsman to score 14,000 ODI runs. He is only the third player to do so, after legends Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. His childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma is also proud of this feat.

 "Apart from 51st ODI & 82nd overall hundred, he has completed 14,000 ODI runs as well. It is a big achievement and I am proud of him that he has made the whole country proud. We are all happy that he has given happiness to the whole country," he remarked.

When asked what advice he would give Kohli to win the Champions Trophy, Rajkumar Sharma said that Virat knows what is right and what needs to be done.

"He has played for so long and he knows what is right and what needs to be done and his role in the team and he has been delivering. He knows his role in the team" Rajkumar also added. 

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