Virat Kohli Trains Intensely Before Coveted India-Pakistan Clash, Spotted With Ice Pack On Leg; Fans Worried

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli was seen with an ice pack on his left leg a day before the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 encounter against Pakistan in Dubai.

The 36-year-old, who has been struggling for form recently, arrived at the ICC Academy two to three hours before the scheduled practice session to focus on his batting, particularly against spin bowling.

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Following his session, several journalists shared images of Kohli sitting in the dressing room with an ice pack on his leg, raising concerns among Indian cricket fans.

However, the team management has not issued any official statement regarding his fitness. Kohli had previously missed the opening ODI against England in Nagpur due to a knee injury.

Determined to fine-tune his batting ahead of the marquee clash, Kohli worked on countering spin, an area where he has recently struggled.

After facing difficulties against deliveries outside the off-stump from pacers during the Test series in Australia, he has also shown vulnerability against spinners in ODIs.

In India's opening Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh, Kohli was dismissed by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, marking his sixth consecutive ODI dismissal against spin.

Attempting a cut shot, he was caught at backward point. Similarly, in the preceding home series against England, leg-spinner Adil Rashid had outfoxed him.

With Pakistan's leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed expected to be a key bowler in Sunday's encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, Kohli's extended training session reflected his commitment to overcoming his recent challenges.

His intense work ethic was evident as he arrived significantly earlier than his teammates, who themselves turned up an hour before the scheduled session.

Kohli faced a variety of spinners in the nets, including multiple leg-spinners, off-spinners, and a left-arm spinner. Pakistan's spin attack includes part-time left-arm spinner Khushdil Shah and off-spinner Salman Agha.

Despite Pakistan's spin options, the Indian batting lineup is likely to back itself against them.

The real test will come against Pakistan's pace trio-Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah-who are under pressure following a lacklustre performance in their opening game against New Zealand.

(With PTI inputs)