 "India vs Pakistan: Here's what Sunil Gavaskar disliked about Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer's 100-run partnership")
India registered a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 clash in Dubai on Sunday. Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass with an unbeaten century, guiding India to a comfortable win with 45 balls to spare. He built crucial partnerships with Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel to chase down the target efficiently.
Kohli’s partnership with Shreyas Iyer was the longest of the match, adding 114 runs off 128 balls to India’s total. However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar took issue with a particular aspect of their stand.
Kohli and Iyer criticised by Gavaskar despite 100-run stand
During the live commentary on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar expressed his dissatisfaction with Kohli and Iyer’s running between the wickets. The cricketing legend criticised their decision-making while taking quick singles and doubles, particularly in a moment when a risky run nearly resulted in Iyer’s dismissal.
The incident occurred in the 36th over when Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf bowled a shortish delivery to Kohli, who played a well-timed shot through the covers, calling for two runs. However, Iyer was in danger of being run out as he struggled to complete the second run. Had the Pakistani bowler collected the throw cleanly and broken the stumps, Iyer would have fallen short of his ground.
Commenting on the incident, Gavaskar said, “I don’t know why they are doing this. Iyer would have been run out had Haris Rauf collected the ball. This is not the first time these two have been found wanting while taking singles or doubles.”
Despite this lapse in judgment, Kohli and Iyer’s partnership proved to be a match-winning one, stabilising India’s chase and ensuring a memorable victory over their arch-rivals. Kohli’s remarkable century earned him the Player of the Match award, reinforcing his reputation as a chase master.
Thanks to the victory, India are comfortably sitting at the top of the Group A table with four points. Earlier, the Indian team had defeated Bangladesh in their opening match of the tournament by 6 wickets. India will now play their third and final group-stage game against New Zealand on 2 March.
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