‘Virat Kohli Better Than MS Dhoni’—Kapil Dev

Former India captain Kapil Dev has instigated fan wars as he called Virat Kohli better than MS Dhoni after the former’s brilliant innings against Australia in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Virat Kohli's game-winning effort for the Indian side in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal versus Australia at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on March 4 once again enthralled the cricketing globe.

Virat Kohli stood tall and played an incredible knock of 84 off 98 balls, as well as being involved in three crucial partnerships with the middle order to power the Men in Blue to a four-wicket victory over Australia after India found itself in trouble at 43/2 while chasing 265 on a tricky surface in Dubai.

Virat Kohli is the 'greatest among greats' as per Kapil Dev

India's top run scorer in the current ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where India will now play New Zealand in the championship match on March 9 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai, is Virat Kohli, who won Player of the Match for his game-winning exploits.

The greatest compliment for Virat Kohli came from the legendary Kapil Dev, who praised the former Indian captain's ability to effectively handle high-stakes situations. Virat's consistency and drive for achievement were praised by the 1983 World Cup-winning captain.

“Dhoni used to do that, but Kohli is one step ahead.” - Kapil Dev

Even ranking the attractive right-hander above MS Dhoni, India's most successful skipper in the ICC competitions, the renowned all-rounder praised Kohli as one of the finest ODI chasers of all time.

“I think he has the temperament to take up a bigger challenge, and that is where he gets the energy. He likes to play like that, and very few cricketers have that temperament. But at the end of the day, he has the talent and the class on how to win matches. We know Dhoni used to do that, but Kohli is one step ahead of anybody else,” Kapil Dev told India Today.

Even though the Men in Blue crushed the Black Caps in the group stage of the current ICC Champions Trophy 2025, they have seemed invincible, but the pressure increases significantly in the final. India was cautioned by Kapil Dev not to underestimate New Zealand.

Kapil Dev predicts Champions Trophy winners

The legendary cricketer believes that Rohit Sharma and his team hold the edge, given their form and firepower, but they must respect the Kiwis in the final.

“India has more chances, but never rule out any other team in the Champions Trophy,” Kapil signed off.

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