Virat Kohli in Champions Trophy 2017 - Rare Failure in ICC Final | IND vs PAK

Virat Kohli's Rare Failure in ICC Final: The 2017 Champions Trophy

The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final between IND and PAK remains etched in cricket history, not just for PAK's emphatic victory but also for Virat Kohli's unexpected early dismissal a rare occurrence in his illustrious career.

Chasing a formidable target set by PAK, IND's hopes were pinned on their prolific captain, Virat Kohli. Known for his prowess in high-pressure chases, Kohli's presence at the crease was crucial. However, the cricketing world was left stunned when, in a dramatic turn of events, Kohli was dismissed for just 5 runs.

The moment Pakistan got one hand on the #CT17 title? A year ago today, @imVkohli fell to @iamamirofficial in the third over of the final! ???? pic.twitter.com/FMBacXYdWM

— ICC (@ICC) June 18, 2018

The architect of this pivotal moment was PAK's left-arm pacer, Mohammad Amir. Amir, returning to the lineup after a back spasm had sidelined him in the semifinal, delivered a spellbinding performance. He had already sent Rohit Sharma back to the pavilion with a lethal inswinger, setting the stage for a high-stakes face-off with Kohli.

On his arrival at the crease, Kohli faced an inswinging delivery from Amir that beat his bat, a rare sight given Kohli's technical finesse. The very next ball, an outside edge flew towards the slip cordon, only to be dropped by Azhar Ali—a lifeline for the Indian skipper. But Amir, undeterred, bowled another outswinger, enticing Kohli into a drive. This time, the ball found the edge again, and Shadab Khan, stationed at point, seized a sharp catch, sending Kohli back to the dressing room.

Cricket Pakistan

Reflecting on this crucial dismissal, Amir later revealed his strategy. He noted that after beating Kohli with an inswinger, he anticipated the batsman's inclination to cover the inswing. Capitalizing on this, Amir delivered an outswinger, exploiting the slight gap between Kohli's bat and pad, leading to the edge and subsequent catch.

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Shadab Khan, who took the catch, also reminisced about the moment. He recounted the immediate aftermath of Azhar Ali's drop and his own determination to make amends. Positioned at point, Shadab was ready when Kohli's shot came his way, and his sharp reflexes ensured the dismissal was completed.

Kohli's early departure was a significant blow to IND's chase. His wicket not only dented the team's morale but also disrupted the batting lineup's rhythm. Amir's spell, which also accounted for Shikhar Dhawan, left IND reeling at 33 for 3, a position from which they struggled to recover.

This rare failure in an ICC final sparked widespread discussion among cricket enthusiasts. Analysts dissected the sequence, debating whether it was Amir's brilliance, Kohli's misjudgment, or a combination of both that led to the dismissal. Fans, accustomed to Kohli's match-winning innings, were left pondering the what-ifs of the game.

In the broader context of cricketing narratives, this episode serves as a reminder of the sport's unpredictability. Even the most dependable players can falter, and moments of individual brilliance can alter the course of a match. For Kohli, this match was an anomaly in an otherwise stellar record in chases. For Amir and PAK, it was a day when strategy, skill, and perhaps a bit of fortune converged to script a memorable victory.

Years later, the 2017 Champions Trophy final continues to be a focal point of discussions, especially when analyzing high-pressure performances. Kohli's dismissal remains a case study in strategic bowling and the thin margins that define cricketing success.