Champions Trophy 2025: Will Virat Kohli play today amid knee injury during practice session?

Virat Kohli is set to feature in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai today (March 9) despite suffering a knee injury during a net session. The 36-year-old batter was struck by a sharp delivery while practising earlier today but has been declared fit by team medics after immediate treatment.

Injury Scare During Nets

Kohli took a blow to his left knee hours before the final, prompting Team India’s physios to rush in with cooling spray and a bandage. Though visibly in pain, he continued observing the session, reassuring teammates about his availability. “It’s a minor knock—he’ll play,” a team spokesperson confirmed.

New Zealand’s Double Blow

Meanwhile, New Zealand, opting to bat first after winning the toss, faced a setback as pace spearhead Matt Henry, who took 10 wickets in four games (including a five-wicket haul against India), was ruled out due to injury. Nathan Smith stepped in as a replacement but the Kiwis lost a key weapon.

History Favors Black Caps

The final revives a lopsided ICC rivalry where New Zealand has beaten India in 3 of 4 knockout matches, including the 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal and 2021 World Test Championship final. However, India’s recent group-stage win and Gill, Sharma, Iyer and Kohli’s form tilt the momentum towards the Men In Blue.

Final Call

With Kohli fit and New Zealand missing Henry, the stage is set for a tense showdown. India, facing the Kiwis for the third time in the Champions Trophy title, must overcome their toss curse—having lost 15 consecutive ODI tosses, including 12 under Rohit Sharma. Meanwhile, for Kohli, it’s another chance to cement his legacy as a big-match titan.