“As Long as I Love This Game, Everything Else Falls Into Place” – Virat Kohli After Match-Winning Knock

Virat Kohli’s sublime 84-run innings guides India to the ICC Champions Trophy final, as the star batter reflects on his passion for cricket and approach to big matches.

Dubai [UAE], March 5 – Virat Kohli once again delivered when it mattered most, crafting a masterful 84-run knock off 98 balls to steer India to victory over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal. With this win, India stormed into the final, where they will face either New Zealand or South Africa.

Kohli’s innings, laced with five boundaries and plenty of well-placed singles and doubles, showcased his trademark chase-master instincts. His ability to absorb pressure and anchor the innings proved invaluable, earning him the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

Speaking in a post-match video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kohli opened up about his love for the game and his hunger for big moments.

“I just love playing this game, I just love batting. As long as my love for the game and batting is alive, everything else can take care of itself,” Kohli said. “You don’t need to put yourself in a desperate situation. Just keep working towards what the team needs, and results like these will follow more often than not.”

“It’s About Stepping Up in Big Games” – Kohli on His Approach

At this stage of his career, Kohli thrives on the high-pressure moments and the challenge of delivering in crunch games. He emphasized his focus on adaptability, running hard between the wickets, and playing according to the situation.

“For me, at this stage of my career, it is about getting up for these games, getting excited, coming out here, hopefully doing the job for the team,” Kohli explained. “When everything comes together, and it works, it feels great. Getting the team across the line is always a special feeling.”

Kohli also acknowledged the team effort behind the victory, highlighting key contributions from Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer.

“Hardik hit crucial shots when we were in a nervous phase. KL played outstandingly to close the game. Shreyas had a fine partnership with me. It was an all-round effort. Now, we have a couple of days off before the final, and everything is to look forward to,” he concluded.

How India Sealed the Semifinal Victory

Australia, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted 264 in 49.3 overs. Key contributions came from Steve Smith (52), Alex Carey (61), and Travis Head (39), but Mohammed Shami (3/48) and India’s spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) kept the Aussies in check.

Chasing 265, India suffered early setbacks, losing Rohit Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (8) at 43/2. But Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (45) steadied the innings with a crucial 91-run stand. Later, Axar Patel (27) and KL Rahul (42) provided stability*, while Hardik Pandya’s explosive 28 off 24 balls sealed the win as India finished at 267/6 in 48.1 overs.

With this victory, India has once again reached an ICC final, and all eyes will be on Virat Kohli and his team as they look to lift another global trophy.

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Tags: Virat Kohli, ICC Champions Trophy, India vs Australia, India Cricket, Kohli Masterclass, Cricket News, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Shami, ICC Final, Team India