Main Maar Raha Tha Naa – KL Rahul’s Reaction As Virat Kohli Misses Century

Kohli Falls Short Of 52nd ODI Ton

Virat Kohli narrowly missed scoring his 52nd ODI century as India defeated Australia by 4 wickets in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai. The star batter looked in prime form, scoring 84 off 98 balls, but an ill-timed lofted shot led to his dismissal in the 43rd over. Kohli aimed to clear the long-on boundary but found Ben Dwarshuis, handing Adam Zampa a crucial wicket. His dismissal brought an end to a well-crafted innings, disappointing not just the fans but also his batting partner at the other end.

KL Rahul’s Frustration Over Kohli’s Dismissal

While Kohli was dismissed, KL Rahul, who was at the other end, had already shifted gears. The right-handed batter had started playing attacking shots, ensuring India’s victory was within reach. After Kohli’s dismissal, Rahul appeared frustrated, reportedly saying:

“Main maar raha tha naa!” (I was already hitting the big shots!)

Rahul’s words hinted at his belief that Kohli could have played more conservatively and reached his well-deserved century before taking any risks. His reaction reflected the missed opportunity for Kohli, as the team was cruising towards victory with a comfortable required run rate.

The Match Situation

India was chasing 265 in the high-stakes semi-final. Kohli anchored the innings while Rahul accelerated towards the end. Key moments from the match:

• Steady Start: India lost early wickets, but Kohli held the innings together with a responsible knock.
• Middle-Order Support: Contributions from Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul stabilized the chase.
• Kohli’s Dismissal: A lofted shot in the 43rd over ended his innings at 84.
• Rahul’s Finishing Touch: Rahul’s attacking shots sealed the victory with ease.

Kohli’s Reaction To Missing His Century

While Kohli is known for his composure, missing a well-deserved century in a big match must have been disappointing. With five boundaries in his knock, he seemed set for his 52nd ODI hundred before playing a risky shot. Despite the dismissal, Kohli remained focused on the larger goal.

The Bigger Picture

Although Kohli fell short of a century, his innings played a vital role in securing India’s place in the final. His ability to absorb pressure and guide the chase highlighted his importance to the team. The semi-final win has now set up a thrilling final for India, with fans hopeful for another Kohli masterclass.

India’s Road To The Final

With India advancing to the Champions Trophy final, the focus now shifts to the title clash. Rohit Sharma’s side has displayed remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, and the final will be another test of their resilience and skill.

Conclusion

The moment when Virat Kohli missed his century will be remembered, but India’s victory remains the bigger takeaway. KL Rahul’s reaction reflected the emotional rollercoaster of the match, showing how much each milestone means to the players. With India now in the Champions Trophy final, all eyes will be on Kohli and the team as they aim for another ICC title. A century might have eluded him this time, but Kohli’s form suggests that a big knock in the final could be just around the corner.

Join Sports Samachaar for all things cricket and never miss a moment of the action!