The stage is set for an electrifying showdown between India and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, scheduled to take place on March 9th at the Dubai stadium. The Indian team has been unstoppable so far, having won all four of their matches and bowling out their opponents in each game. On the other hand, the New Zealand team has suffered one loss, which was at the hands of India. The two teams have a rich history, having previously clashed in the 2000 Champions Trophy final, where New Zealand emerged victorious by four wickets. India will be seeking to avenge that defeat, and their superstar batsman, Virat Kohli, will be looking to make a significant impact.
As Kohli takes to the field, he will achieve a remarkable milestone, playing his 550th international match. This feat will make him the second Indian player to reach this landmark, after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who played 664 matches for India. Kohli has amassed an impressive 27,598 runs in his 549 international matches so far, including 82 centuries. His incredible track record is a testament to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.
The list of Indian players with the most international matches is dominated by some of the greatest names in the game:
- Sachin Tendulkar – 664 matches
- Virat Kohli – 549 matches
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni – 538 matches
- Rahul Dravid – 509 matches
- Rohit Sharma – 498 matches
Under Kohli’s captaincy, India won the Under-19 World Cup in 2008, which marked the beginning of his journey with the senior team. He has since become an integral part of the Indian batting order, playing a crucial role in the team’s success, including winning the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Kohli’s impressive record in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) is particularly noteworthy, with 51 centuries to his name and 14,180 runs scored in the format. He is the only Indian player to have played over 100 matches in all three formats, demonstrating his versatility and ability to adapt to different conditions. With his exceptional skills and experience, Kohli is poised to lead India to victory in the Champions Trophy 2025 final and cement his status as one of the all-time greats of the game.
