Virat Kohli stole the spotlight on Sunday not only for becoming the fastest player to reach 14,000 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) but also for breaking a national record in the field that had stood for more than two decades.
Kohli’s sensational diving catch to dismiss Naseem Shah during India’s Champions Trophy victory over Pakistan marked his 157th ODI outfield catch, surpassing the record previously held by Mohammad Azharuddin. This achievement made Kohli the Indian player with the most outfield catches in ODI history. Azharuddin’s last ODI catch came in 2000.
Kohli’s fielding prowess was further highlighted when he claimed his 158th catch, catching Khushdil Shah during Pakistan’s final over, moving him into third place globally for the most outfield catches in ODIs, behind Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene (218) and Australia’s Ricky Ponting (160).
Reflecting on his fielding journey, Kohli said, “My job is to focus on my skill and to be able to do the job for the team as much as I can.” He emphasized his commitment to maintaining peak performance, sharing that he always pushes himself to give 100% on every ball, even when feeling down on the field. “I take a lot of pride in working hard and running around the field,” he added.
Kohli’s achievement also coincided with his 51st ODI century, his first since November 2023, as India comfortably chased down Pakistan’s total of 241 with six wickets and 45 balls to spare.
Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, acknowledged the pressure faced by his middle order after the defeat, admitting that the players had not been able to capitalize on early momentum. Despite a 104-run stand between Rizwan (46) and Saud Shakeel (62), Pakistan’s middle order faltered with poor shot selection, leaving them with no chance to post a challenging total.
Rizwan’s team now faces an uncertain future in the tournament, with their hopes hanging by a thread, depending on the outcome of New Zealand’s match against Bangladesh.
“As a captain, I don’t like this (depending on other teams),” Rizwan admitted. “If you’re good enough, you show it by winning and keeping things in your hands.” Despite the defeat, he remained hopeful about a potential chance to progress, should other results go in Pakistan’s favor.
