Virat Kohli injured ahead of Pakistan clash? Batter spotted with ice pack during practice

The India national cricket team faced a massive injury scare ahead of the much-awaited match against the Pakistan national cricket team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Virat Kohli was seen sitting in the dugout with an ice pack during the practice session at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India and Pakistan are gearing up for their next match in Dubai on Sunday, February 23. Both teams are putting in intense practice sessions in the nets ahead of the big match. India enter the contest with confidence after securing a commanding six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their opening game.

Virat Kohli Injured Ahead of Pakistan Clash in Champions Trophy?

Times of India journalist Sahil Malhotra took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the picture of Virat relaxing in the dressing room with an ice pack on his left leg after finishing his batting session.

"Batting done, Virat Kohli is chilling in the change room with an ice pack on his left leg. Hope nothing more than soreness!" Sahil Malhotra wrote.

Batting done, Virat Kohli is chilling in the change room with an ice pack on his left leg. Hope nothing more than soreness! pic.twitter.com/8lsL6ZTSH4

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) February 22, 2025

Virat Kohli Arrives for Practice 3 Hours Before Scheduled Time

Virat Kohli made headlines as he arrived for training three hours before India's scheduled session to prepare intensively for the upcoming clash against Pakistan. The Delhi-born cricketer, who has been struggling for runs and is going through a slump with the bat, put in extra effort to regain his rhythm.

Images of Kohli padding up early and training in the nets quickly went viral. As per journalist Abhishek Tripathi, Kohli trained with 10-12 UAE net bowlers to adapt to the conditions and address his weaknesses. Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar accompanied him to the ICC Academy for the session.

Former Indian Skipper's Struggles With the Bat Continued in Champions Trophy

The 36-year-old batter's struggles with the bat continued in India's opening game of the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh, where he managed just 22 runs off 38 balls at a strike rate of 57.89. He was dismissed by Rishad Hossain, marking his third consecutive dismissal to a leg-spinner.

India secured a six-wicket victory. Shubman Gill scored a brilliant 101* and Mohammed Shami took five wickets. Meanwhile, Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening match. The upcoming clash is a must-win encounter for Pakistan to keep their hopes alive in the event.

India are aiming for their third Champions Trophy title, and a return to form for Virat Kohli will be crucial to their campaign. Known for delivering in ICC events and against Pakistan, Kohli will look to play a big knock to strengthen their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

With key matches against Pakistan and New Zealand ahead, his performance will be vital in easing the pressure on the middle order. However, Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed, a mystery spinner, could pose a significant challenge on the spin-friendly Dubai pitch.

Also read: "If Rohit Sharma is in form"- Yuvraj Singh's unimaginable prediction for India vs Pakistan match