“When You Focus on the Team, Milestones Follow” – Kohli Reflects on His Semifinal Heroics
Dubai [UAE], March 4: Virat Kohli once again proved why he is the backbone of India’s batting lineup, delivering a match-winning 84-run knock against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal. His composed innings helped India chase down 265, securing a four-wicket victory and a place in the tournament final.
Kohli walked in at a tense 43/2, but his ability to read conditions, rotate strike, and build partnerships turned the game in India’s favor. Although he missed out on what would have been his 52nd ODI century, the batting maestro emphasized that personal milestones no longer hold priority over team victories.
“I Take Pride in Doing What My Team Wants” – Kohli
Speaking after the match, Kohli highlighted how his focus remains on playing for the team rather than personal records.
“I have never focused on milestones. When you don’t think about them, they happen naturally along with victories. If I get to the three-figure mark, great, but winning is what truly matters,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.
His 84 off 98 balls, with just five boundaries, was a masterclass in controlled aggression and strike rotation. Kohli stressed that his knock was more about understanding the conditions and ensuring steady partnerships, rather than going for big hits.
“My timing, my composure at the crease – that was the most pleasing part for me. I was not rushed, not desperate, just happy knocking ones around,” he added.
Kohli further elaborated on his approach in pressure situations, stating that staying calm and taking the game deep usually forces the opposition to make mistakes.
“This game is all about pressure, especially in big matches like semis and finals. If you stay till the end, the opposition gives in. Even if the required run rate is six per over, I am not bothered,” Kohli explained.
He admitted that his plan was to finish the game himself, but his dismissal came 20 runs short of his target.
“Usually, that is the template I follow. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned,” he concluded.
A Knock to Remember
Kohli’s innings was not just another match-winning knock, but a statement of experience, adaptability, and resilience. It was also a perfect redemption for India’s heartbreak against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
With India now in the Champions Trophy final, all eyes will be on Kohli once again as he aims to lead the team to another ICC title.
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Virat Kohli, India vs Australia, ICC Champions Trophy, Kohli Match-Winning Knock, India Cricket, Chase Master, Team India, Cricket Records, ICC Semifinal