Kohli makes history against Pakistan: Surpasses Azharuddin for most ODI catches

Virat Kohli has made history by surpassing Mohammad Azharuddin to become the Indian fielder with the most catches in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Achieving this milestone during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan, Kohli's record adds to his impressive list of accomplishments in international cricket.

A New Record Set

In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, Virat Kohli took his 157th catch in ODIs, breaking Azharuddin's long-standing record of 156 catches. The moment came in the 47th over of Pakistan's innings when Naseem Shah hit a catchable aerial shot off Kuldeep Yadav's bowling. Kohli sprinted in from long-on and executed a low catch that not only secured the wicket but also etched his name further into cricketing history. He later added another catch, bringing his total to 158.

Kohli Among Cricketing Greats

With this achievement, Kohli now ranks third overall in ODI catches, trailing only Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene (218) and Australia's Ricky Ponting (160). His remarkable fielding skills have been a significant asset to the Indian team, showcasing his versatility as a player who excels both with the bat and in the field. Other notable Indian players on the catches list include Sachin Tendulkar (140), Rahul Dravid (124), and Suresh Raina (102).

Struggles with Batting Form

Despite his success in fielding, Kohli has faced challenges with his batting performance lately. In the match against Bangladesh prior to facing Pakistan, he managed only 22 runs and has struggled against spin bowlers, being dismissed six times by them recently. This inconsistency raises questions about whether he can regain his form in high-pressure situations like this crucial match against Pakistan.

Pakistan's Performance

In this match, Pakistan batted first after winning the toss and managed to post a total of 241 runs before being bowled out. Saud Shakeel top-scored for Pakistan with 62 runs. India’s bowling attack was led by Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed three wickets, including two key dismissals that contributed to Pakistan's downfall. The match is particularly critical for Pakistan, who are looking to bounce back after losing their opening game against New Zealand.

Looking Ahead

As Kohli continues to break records and face challenges on the field, fans eagerly anticipate his next performances. The ongoing Champions Trophy provides him with an opportunity to not only solidify his legacy as one of India's greatest cricketers but also to regain his batting prowess as the tournament progresses.