Champions Trophy: Paranjape Highlights Kohli-Iyer Partnership as Key for India
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Synopsis
Jatin Paranjape, former Indian cricketer and national selector, emphasizes the exceptional partnership of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer as the standout aspect of India’s five-wicket victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal. Their performance, along with key bowling contributions, sets the stage for the upcoming final.
Key Takeaways
- Kohli and Iyer showcased a strong partnership, contributing significantly to the chase.
- Mohammed Shami led the bowling attack with impressive figures.
- Varun Chakaravarthy added depth to India's spin bowling.
- India executed their strategy effectively against a strong opponent.
- Upcoming final promises to be a crucial match for Rohit Sharma.
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) Jatin Paranjape, the former Indian cricketer and national selector, stated that the impressive performance of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer as a duo is the most significant takeaway for the Rohit Sharma-led team after their thrilling five-wicket victory over Australia in the semifinal held in Dubai.
On a challenging pitch at the Dubai International Stadium, Kohli scored a brilliant 84 off 98 balls, while Iyer contributed 45 off 62 balls, aiding India in successfully chasing down 265 runs with 11 balls remaining, thereby securing their spot in the title match on Sunday.
The partnership between Kohli and Iyer for the third wicket was a remarkable 91 runs. “Kohli and Iyer demonstrated excellent synergy, and this is perhaps the most important takeaway for India. If they manage to bat effectively during the middle overs, it sets a solid foundation for a successful performance from Axar Patel and the number six batter (KL Rahul),” Paranjape, a member of the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee and co-founder of KheloMore, informed IANS on Wednesday.
In terms of bowling, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami was exceptional for India, recording figures of 3-48. “Shami was at his peak and demonstrated that he can be relied upon to carry the burden of the bowling attack. His pace and accuracy have notably improved,” Paranjape remarked.
Wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy also impressed by taking two wickets, including the crucial one of the dangerous Travis Head, during the power-play. “He significantly enhances India’s already robust spin attack and has a bright future ahead. He will be a valuable asset as India gears up for its 2027 World Cup strategy,” he noted.
“Defeating Australia is always a formidable challenge, but India executed their game plan with precision to advance to the finals. Overall, it was an exemplary performance by India against a formidable opponent,” Paranjape stated.
The victor of the second semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore will determine India’s opponent in the title match. Paranjape concluded by anticipating a significant performance from captain Rohit Sharma in the final.
Thus far, Rohit has scored 41, 20, 15, and 28 in the 2025 Champions Trophy. “Rohit Sharma appears focused and aggressive at the crease. A significant score from him in the final would not surprise me at all.”
