India’s star batter Virat Kohli shared insights into his composed and calculated innings against Australia in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy. While chasing, his focus was on assessing the conditions and maintaining strike rotation, which he described as the “most pleasing part” of his innings.
Virat once again showcased his mastery in ODI cricket, crafting a crucial 84 off 98 balls, including five boundaries, to guide India to a four-wicket victory. Despite missing out on his 52nd ODI and 83rd international century, he played a pivotal role in India’s comeback from a precarious 43/2, redeeming the team after the disappointment of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Reflecting on missing the century, Virat emphasized that personal milestones no longer concern him, as winning for the team is his primary goal.
“I have never focused on those things. When you do not think of those milestones, they happen along with the victories. If I get to the three-figure mark, great, but the win is important. For me, those things do not matter anymore. I take pride in doing what my team wants. It is just about stepping out and hopefully doing the job for the team,” he said during the post-match presentation.
Discussing his 84-run knock, which included only five boundaries, Virat highlighted his approach of adapting to conditions and prioritizing singles to build partnerships.
“It all depends on the conditions and then I play my innings. (on things he was pleased with during his knock). My timing, my composure at the crease, I was not rushed. The singles that I took were the most pleasing part for me. I was not feeling desperate and feeling happy knocking ones around and when as a batsman you start taking pride in taking singles into the gaps, that is when you know you are playing good cricket.”
He stressed the importance of handling pressure in high-stakes matches like semi-finals and finals, adding that the key is to stay composed and control impulses.
“This game is all about pressure, especially in big games like semis and finals. If you go deep into the game, the opposition usually gives in. It is important to control your impulses. Even if the run-rate is six per over, I am not bothered.”
Virat also revealed that his intent was to take the game deeper and try to finish it himself.
“Usually that is the template I follow but, sometimes you cannot execute what you want to,” he concluded.
Match Summary:
After winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first. Despite losing Cooper Connolly early, Travis Head (39 off 33 balls, with four fours and two sixes) built a 50-run stand with Steve Smith. Smith further anchored the innings with partnerships alongside Marnus Labuschagne (29 off 36 balls, with two fours and a six) and Alex Carey (61 off 57 balls, with eight fours and a six). Carey’s innings ended in the 48th over after a sharp direct hit from Shreyas Iyer. Australia was bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.
Mohammed Shami (3/48) led India’s bowling attack, while Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) controlled the middle overs with their spin. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya chipped in with a wicket each.
During India’s chase, the team suffered early setbacks as Rohit Sharma (28 off 29 balls, with three fours and a six) and Shubman Gill (8) fell quickly, leaving them at 43/2. Virat, alongside Shreyas Iyer (45 off 62 balls, with three fours), stitched a 91-run partnership to steady the innings. He later shared crucial stands with Axar Patel (27 off 30 balls, with a four and a six) and KL Rahul (42* off 34 balls, with two fours and two sixes).
A late cameo from Hardik Pandya (28 off 24 balls, with a four and three sixes) ensured India crossed the line, finishing at 267/6 in 48.1 overs. Nathan Ellis (2/48) and Adam Zampa (2/60) were Australia’s best bowlers.