Virat Kohli played a crucial innings of 84 runs, leading India to successfully chase a target of 265 against Australia on a difficult pitch in Dubai. This victory secured India’s place in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
After receiving the Player of the Match award, Kohli explained his approach to run chases, especially in high-pressure games like semi-finals and finals. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and building partnerships. Kohli stated that if a team bats deep into the innings with wickets in hand, the pressure shifts to the opposition, making the chase easier.
Kohli highlighted his focus on calculating the required run rate and remaining overs. He mentioned that even if the run rate climbs to six an over, he remains confident with sufficient wickets in hand, trusting that set batsmen can change the game’s momentum. His strategy revolves around denying the opposition opportunities to take wickets, which is the primary way for them to regain control.
Kohli came to the crease early in the innings with India at 30 for 1. He then forged significant partnerships, including a 91-run stand with Shreyas Iyer, followed by collaborations with Axar Patel and KL Rahul, bringing India closer to the target. Rahul and Hardik Pandya ultimately completed the chase.
Notably, 56 of Kohli’s 84 runs were singles, and his innings of 98 balls included only five boundaries and no sixes. He drew a comparison to a previous successful chase against Pakistan at the same venue in the tournament, where he similarly adapted his game to the conditions.
Kohli reiterated that his game plan is dictated by the playing conditions. He focuses on rotating the strike and forming partnerships, especially on challenging pitches. He adjusts his approach based on the pitch conditions, prioritizing steady accumulation of runs over aggressive boundary hitting early in the innings.
It was only in the 43rd over that Kohli attempted a big shot, attempting to hit a boundary against Adam Zampa, but was caught by a fielder.
Kohli expressed satisfaction with his controlled approach, valuing singles and gap-finding, which he sees as indicators of good form and the foundation for substantial partnerships. This measured approach, evident in both the Pakistan and Australia games, was particularly pleasing to him.
Now, India awaits the outcome of the semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa, which will be held in Lahore on Wednesday. India will face the winner of that match in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai on Sunday.
