Ambati Rayudu exposes Virat Kohli’s spin struggles with ‘Adam Zampa’ reminder ahead of CT 2025 semi-final

The stage is set for a thrilling contest as India and Australia lock horns in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal on March 4 in Dubai. One of the most exciting matchups will be the intense battle between Virat Kohli and Adam Zampa in the semifinal on Tuesday.

The Virat Kohli vs Adam Zampa rivalry has been a legendary rivalry of the modern era. Zampa has dismissed the Indian batting maestro five times in ODIs since 2017. The Australian leg-spinner has kept Kohli in check, conceding 245 runs while bowling 73 dot balls against him.

Virat Kohli-Adam Zampa rivalry set for another chapter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal

With Dubai’s pitch expected to help the spinners, the Australian spinner will once again look to outfox the former Indian captain and help his team’s cause in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal in Dubai. Notably, India crushed New Zealand by 44 runs in their last group match.

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Ahead of India vs Australia match, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has already fueled excitement by predicting an electrifying Kohli vs Zampa face-off in the semifinal in Dubai. However, Rayudu feels Kohli could turn the tables this time given his form.

Ambati Rayudu said on JioHotstar, “It’s going to be Adam Zampa versus Virat Kohli. Virat has struggled a bit against leg spinners lately, but the kind of form he has shown in this tournament will serve him well against Australia.”

Notably, Kohli’s most dominant performance against Zampa came in 2019 when he smashed 101 runs off 79 balls, but the leg-spinner dismissed him twice in that year. Their last ODI encounter was in 2023, where Zampa conceded just 50 runs off 52 balls but couldn’t dismiss Kohli.

Luck wasn't on his side: Ambati Rayudu on Virat Kohli's failure in his 300th ODI

Rayudu congratulated Virat Kohli on reaching his 300th ODI milestone but acknowledged that luck wasn’t on his side against New Zealand. Kohli was eager to make an impact, but he could manage only 11 runs off 14 balls before Glenn Phillips took a stunning catch to send him back.

Rayudu added, “The intent was there, and expectations were high. You could see in his eyes that he was focused, hungry for a big score. On big occasions, Virat Kohli usually rises to the challenge and gives us those celebratory moments. Unfortunately, today, Glenn Phillips took an unbelievable catch to dismiss him. It was just one of those days where luck wasn't on his side.”

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Ambati Rayudu confident of Virat Kohli’s strong comeback against Australia

The former Indian batter has highlighted Kohli’s hunger and determination, saying he usually thrives on big occasions, but things didn’t go his way this time during his milestone game. However, Rayudu is confident that Kohli will bounce back in the semifinal against Australia.

He signed off by saying, “But hopefully, he converts this hunger into a big innings in the semi-finals. We all want to see him at his best, and he has our full support. Glenn Phillips just spoiled the party today.”