ICC Champions Trophy: Virat Kohli injured ahead of India vs New Zealand final?

The stage is set for an enthralling battle in Dubai as India and New Zealand gear up to fight for the ICC Champions Trophy. The summit clash rests just a fortnight away, with the Men in Blue touted as the favorites for victory, backed by their unbeaten run in the tournament. New Zealand, meanwhile, is dealing with an injury concern in the camp, as there seems to be no update on Matt Henry. The primary seamer suffered a blow to his shoulder while fielding in the New Zealand vs South Africa semi-final. The latest reports from the preparatory camp, however, suggest a similar dilemma in the Indian squad.

Virat Kohli takes a blow to his knee while batting in the nets ahead of India vs New Zealand final

The latest report from India's training session in Dubai stated that Virat Kohli took a hit on his knee while batting in the nets. According to the report, Kohli was struck by a fast bowler's delivery, prompting him to halt training immediately. The physio attended to him, applying a spray and wrapping the affected area with a bandage. While Kohli did not resume batting after the incident, the Indian coaching staff assured that the injury was not serious and confirmed his participation in the final.

The most obvious thing to highlight here would be the significance of Kohli in the Indian lineup. The team's unbeaten run at the ICC Champions Trophy has a lot to do with the top-order batter. The India vs Pakistan group-stage encounter witnessed the comeback of the chase master. As Kohli orchestrated a seamless win for India in the chase, he also completed his 82nd international ton. The former skipper, moreover, improved significantly when the stakes rose higher. Kohli's 84-run knock defined the chase in the India vs Australia semi-final after the openers departed cheaply in the knockout.

Right now, Virat Kohli stands as the highest scorer for India at the ICC Champions Trophy. Across four matches, Kohli has scored 217 runs at an average of 72.33. Moreover, the lack of a stable opening stand between Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma only amplifies Kohli's role in the lineup. His partnerships with middle-order picks Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel have been the most crucial factors behind India's successful chases in the tournament.

Thus, an injury scare to the batter could be the most unfortunate update to emerge from the camp. Thankfully, the support staff immediately clarified that the blow to Kohli’s knee has not had a significant impact. According to updates from the Indian staff, Kohli remains in the clear to play the India vs New Zealand final in Dubai on March 9.