“HE IS THE GREATEST ONE-DAY CRICKETER OF ALL TIME, AND HE CONTINUES TO PROVE IT ON THE BIGGEST STAGE, UNDER THE HIGHEST PRESSURE” – MICHAEL CLARKE ON VIRAT KOHLI
5th March 2025, Bengaluru: – Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar after the India Vs Australia clash in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Michael Clarke commented on Virat Kohli’s innings: “Once again, he assessed the conditions brilliantly. A class player, he knew exactly what his team needed and how to put them in a position to win the game. We saw the same in his century against Pakistan. Virat has every shot in the book—there’s no questioning his ability to find boundaries. He is, in my opinion, the greatest one-day cricketer of all time, and he continues to prove it on the biggest stage, under the highest pressure. He knows what to do, and he delivers when it matters most.”
Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar after the India Vs Australia clash in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Michael Clarke commented on Shreyas Iyer: “He played really well. He has that aggressive approach, great intent, and always looks to play his shots, which takes pressure off his batting partner. He and Virat Kohli complement each other perfectly. Virat’s experience allows him to guide Shreyas when needed and keep him composed. Their partnership was match-winning, no doubt. Australia managed to take a couple of wickets, and had they broken that stand earlier, especially getting Virat out, the game could have been completely different. But credit to India—they played exceptionally well.”
Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar after the India Vs Australia clash in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Michael Clarke commented on Hardik Pandya’s innings: “I’m not surprised, that’s just the way Hardik plays. We’ve seen it time and again in both T20 and one-day cricket. He’s a phenomenal player and a clean striker of the ball. His role in this team is clear—when he walks in, he’s expected to find the boundaries at crucial moments. KL Rahul played a brilliant innings to set things up, and Hardik simply did what he does best—finishing strong and keeping the momentum going.”
Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar after the India Vs Australia clash in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Ambati Rayudu commented on Team India’s win: “Right now, we are blessed with an Indian team where almost every player has the ability to win a match single-handedly. They have all performed under pressure and have delivered for India in crucial situations. You saw that today with Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer stepping up, alongside Virat Kohli leading the way. Each of these players complements the team beautifully and proves time and again that they are match-winners. India is truly fortunate to have such a talented squad.”
Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar after the India Vs Australia clash in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Ambati Rayudu commented on Virat Kohli’s innings: “I think his skill against leg spin and left-arm spin, along with his ability to rotate the strike through mid-wicket and square leg, was exceptional. On a pitch that was turning and stopping, he made it look effortless, which speaks volumes about his skill. Never doubt his ability to hit fours or sixes—it’s about composure and understanding what is needed on the day, then executing it to perfection. He is a once-in-a-generation cricketer, the greatest of all time in this format. It’s a special night for him, his family, and 150 crore Indians who are blessed to witness his greatness.”
Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar after the India Vs Australia clash in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Ambati Rayudu commented on KL Rahul’s innings at No. 6: “He’s been under tremendous pressure, as playing at No. 6 is not something he’s entirely accustomed to. But he handled it brilliantly, displaying immense maturity. The calculated risks he took and the shots he played were outstanding. He absorbed pressure, allowing Virat to play his natural game. I think this performance was, in a way, redemption for him after the 2023 final in Ahmedabad, which he took to heart. This is a fantastic way to make amends, and hopefully, he delivers another great knock in the final.”
Catch all the action as India take on South Africa/New Zealand at 2:30 PM IST on Sunday, March 9, in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final, only on JioStar Network and JioHotstar
