Suresh Raina backs Virat Kohli to win Player of the Match in semifinal game against Australia

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has predicted that Virat Kohli would win the Player of the Match award in the semifinal clash of the Champions Trophy against Australia. Kohli has been a big-match player for India and has proved his mettle on numerous occasions.

The talisman had scored a match-winning knock of 76 runs off 59 balls in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 against South Africa.

Meanwhile, Kohli has returned with scores of 22, 100*, and 11 in the ongoing Champions Trophy. The veteran batter scored a match-winning century against arch-rivals Pakistan and he would hold the key for the Men in Blue as he has all the experience. Kohli was awarded Player of the Match against Pakistan for his fine knock in the run-chase of 242.

“He will get Man of the Match,” Suresh Raina said when asked about Virat Kohli ahead of the big match on StarSports.

Kohli has performed consistently for India in ODIs and he would want to be at his absolute best against the Aussies in the knockout game.

On the other hand, Raina wants KL Rahul to step up in the high-octane clash against Steve Smith’s team. Rahul scored an unbeaten 41 against Bangladesh but was dismissed after 23 against the Kiwis. The wicket-keeper wasn’t at his best behind the stumps against the Blackcaps.

“We have seen how Shreyas Iyer has been amazing with his intent. Virat Kohli has been amazing with running between the wickets. Rohit Sharma and Gill doing the start. The only concern I feel – KL Rahul should step up the game, be more positive,” he said.

India will take on Australia in the first semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Tuesday. The game is expected to be played on a fresh pitch and it would be interesting to note India’s playing XI.