Blog

Virat Kohli was grit personified in the India vs Australia Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday. With India chasing 265 on a tricky wicket, Virat Kohli curbed his attacking instinct as he scored 84 off 98 balls. HIs innings included only five fours and no sixes. Virat Kohli’s strike-rate of 85.71 may not tell the whole story as he stitched crucial stands with Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and KL Rahul to take India closer to the target. Ultimately, India chased down the target of 265 in 48.1 overs.

After the win, Virat Kohli said he played like the way he starred against Pakistan, where he scored a ton on the final ball of India’s innings.  

“It was pretty similar to the other day against Pakistan. It is about understanding the conditions and rotating the strike because partnerships on its pitch are important. it all depends on the conditions and then I play my innings. My timing, my composure at the crease, I wasn’t rushed. The singles that I took was the most pleasing part for me,” Virat Kohli said after the match-winning knock.

“This game is all about pressure. If you go deep into the game, the opposition usually give in. It is important to control your impulses. Even if the RR is six an over, I am not bothered. [Best he has ever played?] I don’t know. That is up to you guys to break down. I have never focused on those things. When you don’t think of those milestones, they happen. If I get to the three-figure mark, great, but the win is important. For me, those things don’t matter anymore.”