Tue Mar 04 08:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Kohli vs. Zampa: Key Battle Looms in India-Australia Champions Trophy Semi-Final

**Dubai, UAE –** Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has highlighted the crucial head-to-head matchup between Virat Kohli and Australia’s Adam Zampa as the key battle in Tuesday’s Champions Trophy semi-final at the Dubai International Stadium. Kohli’s recent struggles against leg-spinners, including five dismissals by Zampa since 2017, make this encounter a high-stakes clash on the slow Dubai pitches.

Since the start of 2024, Kohli has managed only 37 runs against leg-spinners at a dismal strike rate of 48.68. While acknowledging Kohli’s recent difficulties, Rayudu expressed confidence in the Indian star’s ability to overcome this challenge, citing his impressive form in the tournament. He noted that Kohli’s dismissal against New Zealand on Sunday, for 11 runs, was partly due to an exceptional catch by Glenn Phillips, adding that luck wasn’t on Kohli’s side on the day of his 300th ODI.

Rayudu emphasized Kohli’s determination and hunger for a significant score, predicting he will rise to the occasion in the semi-final. “On big occasions, Virat Kohli usually rises to the challenge,” Rayudu stated, adding that despite the setback, “We all want to see him at his best, and he has our full support.” The semi-final promises a thrilling contest, with the Kohli-Zampa duel shaping up to be a decisive factor in determining the outcome.

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