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The Champions Trophy 2025 clash between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium delivered a moment that has taken the cricketing world by storm. While the match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, it was Ravindra Jadeja‘s animated reaction to Virat Kohli’s dismissal that became the talk of social media. Kohli, playing his milestone 300th ODI, fell victim to one of the most stunning catches in recent memory, courtesy of Glenn Phillips. Jadeja’s passionate response to the dismissal added an extra layer of drama to an already intense game.
Glenn Phillips’ one-handed stunner to dismiss Virat Kohli
In the seventh over of India’s innings, Matt Henry delivered a fullish ball outside off-stump. Spotting the width, Kohli attempted a fierce square cut, only to see the ball fly towards Phillips at point. What followed was pure brilliance. Phillips, known for his exceptional fielding skills, dived full-stretch to his right and plucked the ball out of thin air with one hand. The acrobatic effort left Kohli stunned and sent Indian fans into silence as their talisman departed for just 11 runs.
The dismissal reduced India to a precarious 30/3, putting immense pressure on the middle order. However, it wasn’t just Kohli’s early exit that grabbed headlines—it was Jadeja’s reaction from the dressing room that stole the show.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Fans erupt as India seals a semifinal clash with Australia after Varun Chakravarthy destroys New Zealand
Ravindra Jadeja’s animated explanation to Kohli
As cameras panned to the Indian dressing room, they captured Jadeja animatedly discussing Kohli’s dismissal with him. Known for his own brilliance as a fielder, Jadeja appeared to dissect Phillips’ extraordinary effort with vivid gestures and expressions. Social media erupted with memes and commentary as fans speculated whether Jadeja was teasing Kohli or simply marveling at Phillips’ athleticism.
Jadeja’s lively reaction resonated with cricket enthusiasts worldwide, as it highlighted not just his passion for the game but also his camaraderie with Kohli. The moment quickly went viral, with fans sharing clips and adding their own humorous takes on the interaction.
Here’s the video:
#IndvsNZ#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar pic.twitter.com/y5PbdQsq4b
— VãåNî (@UCanCallMeVaani) March 2, 2025
India’s resilience after early collapse against New Zealand
Despite losing their top three batters—Rohit Sharma (15), Shubman Gill (2), and Kohli (11)—within the powerplay, India managed to stage a remarkable recovery. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel steadied the innings with a crucial 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Iyer played a gritty knock of 79 runs off 98 balls, showcasing his ability to anchor under pressure. Axar contributed a valuable 42 off 60 deliveries before falling to New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack.
Hardik Pandya provided fireworks in the death overs with an explosive 45 off 31 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. His late surge ensured India posted a competitive total of 249/9 on a sluggish pitch. Matt Henry was New Zealand’s standout bowler, claiming an impressive five-wicket haul (5/42) and dismissing both Pandya and Mohammed Shami in the final over.
India edge past New Zealand in the semifinal decider
This match was more than just another group-stage encounter; it determined semifinal placements for both teams. While India after winning by 44 runs will now play Australia their knockout game in Dubai, New Zealand will head to Lahore for their semifinal clash. The stakes were high, and moments like Phillips’ catch and Jadeja’s reaction added layers of intensity and entertainment to an already critical contest.
Jadeja is no stranger to spectacular fielding efforts himself, having pulled off several jaw-dropping catches throughout his career. His animated response to Phillips’ brilliance felt authentic—a mix of admiration and disbelief from one great fielder acknowledging another. It also underscored Jadeja’s role as a team player who lives every moment of the game intensely, whether on or off the field.
