Champions Trophy 2025 IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli's Brilliant Fielding Rewarded with 'Best Fielder' Medal

There was a lot of laughter, excitement, and enthusiasm in the dressing room following India's 44-run victory against New Zealand in their last group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The announcement of the "Fielder of the Match," a prize awarded to the game's top fielder, is one of the most entertaining of the numerous post-match events.  

After defeating New Zealand in their last group match on Sunday in Dubai, India advanced to the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinals undefeated. Despite being selected as India's best fielder throughout the match, Virat Kohli did not receive the fielding medal.

Virat Kohli, Axar Patel, and Shreyas Iyer were the medal contenders; each of them displayed incredible athleticism on the field. But the medal went to the always dependable Virat Kohli because of his quick reflexes and outstanding contribution at crucial fielding positions. The medal would be given to India's throwdown expert, Udenka Nuwan Senevirathne. But there was no sign of the medal.

Virat's iconic moment at Champions Trophy 2025 IND vs NZ:

Kohli saab won medal for his outstanding fielding against New Zealand. 😍
https://t.co/xQBIU2sp9T

— Kohlistic🔥 (@Kohlistic18) March 3, 2025

However, the message took an unexpected turn because the token was missing. Laughter erupted in the locker room as the players and support staff searched for it. Others made fun of coach T Dilip, while others mockingly accused one another of concealing it. The excitement in the changing room was increased when the medal was eventually discovered hidden in a kit bag. Training helper Udenaka Nuwan Senevirathne had the privilege of delivering the medal to Kohli when it was located, and he smiled warmly as he accepted it.

India will play Australia in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday in Dubai, following a spectacular display by the bowlers and hitters that gave them a hat-trick of victories in the group stage. With two titles apiece, it will be a matchup between two of the most successful teams in Champions Trophy history.

In the meantime, India, who overcame Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand to remain unbeaten in the tournament's group stage, will play Australia in the first semi-final on March 4 in Dubai. On March 5, South Africa and New Zealand will square off in Lahore in the second semi-final. Depending on India's qualifying, the two victorious teams will face off in the summit match on March 9 in either Dubai or Lahore.

Watch this space for more cricket news.