Virat Kohli Will Play for ‘Next 2 or 3 Years’: Navjot Singh Sidhu Lauds Star Batter After Champions Trophy 2025 Century Against Pakistan

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Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 23 has drawn immense praise, with former cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu calling it a testament to his pedigree and character.

“Character is not made in a crisis; it is exhibited,’ Sidhu said. “This is a man with pedigree, with passion. And after this 100, I can say with conviction that this man is playing for the next 2 or 3 years and he is getting another 10 or 15 hundreds.”

The cricketer-turned-commentator further lauded Kohli’s ability to thrive under pressure, noting that his performance against Pakistan will be remembered for a decade.

Sidhu compared Kohli’s signature cover drive to the iconic shots of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, emphasising how his batting reflects his mental resilience. “When you look at Virat Kohli, it’s the cover drive. And when he gets his head on top of the ball and he’s cover driving beautifully, you know he’s back.”

Highlighting Kohli’s exceptional record in successful run chases, Sidhu added, “99 innings, an average of 89.6 in successful chases – it means he handles pressure without allowing it to affect him. The tougher it gets, the more he thrives. That’s the hallmark of a great cricketer.”

Virat Kohli's century against Pakistan was a masterclass in controlled aggression and match awareness. Chasing 242 on a tricky Dubai surface, he paced his innings to perfection, ensuring India never fell behind the required rate.

Early on, he was cautious against the new ball, respecting Shaheen Afridi’s swing and Naseem Shah’s sharp movement off the pitch. However, once he settled in, Kohli seamlessly transitioned into his dominant self, piercing the gaps with precision and rotating the strike efficiently.

The moment he reached his 51st ODI century, reaching the milestone in only 111 deliveries, the Indian dressing room erupted in joy, symbolising not just another milestone for Kohli but also a statement innings in a high-pressure encounter.

Rohit Sharma’s Reaction Highlights Team Spirit

One of the most telling moments of Kohli’s century came from his captain, Rohit Sharma. Sidhu pointed out how Rohit’s reaction upon Kohli reaching his 51st ODI hundred reflected the unity within the Indian team.

“More than what Virat did, what I saw today was Rohit Sharma’s beaming face. When Virat scores that 100, you look at that face. No one can whistle a symphony; it takes an orchestra to play it. It’s a team game, and when the team takes pride in a fellow countryman’s performance, that’s a very good sign.”

Sidhu emphasised that this camaraderie is crucial for inspiring the next generation. “Taking pride in the other fellow is the inspiration for generation next. That’s the sign of bonhomie and camaraderie, which makes a huge difference in a team game.”

What’s Next for India in Champions Trophy 2025?

Following their decisive six-wicket victory over Pakistan, India has solidified its position at the top of Group A in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With two wins from two matches, India leads the group with four points. This performance has all but secured their spot in the semi-finals.

Their final group stage match is scheduled against New Zealand on March 2, 2025, at 2:30 PM IST. A win in this match would not only maintain their unbeaten streak but also ensure they enter the knockout stage as group leaders.