NEW DELHI: Chase-master Virat Kohli on Tuesday emphasised the importance of India’s victory over personal milestones after playing a match-winning knock of 84 runs against Australia in the first Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai.
The star batter played a crucial knock, anchoring the chase with composure and precision. His form has been instrumental in India’s campaign, ensuring a spot in the final.
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India finally avenged its 2023 ODI World Cup heartbreak, turning the painful memory into a distant past with a thrilling four-wicket victory in the semi-final.
Chasing a challenging target of 265, India achieved its highest-successful run chase against Australia in an ICC event, surpassing the previous best of 261 set during the 2011 World Cup quarter-final.
Speaking after India’s dominant win, Kohli said, “It was pretty similar to the other day against Pakistan. It is about understanding the conditions and rotating the strike because partnerships on this 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 were the most pleasing part for me. This game is all about pressure. If you go deep into the game, the opposition usually gives in. It is important to control your impulses. Even if the RR is six per over, I am not bothered,” Kohli said.
Kohli emphasised that team success matters more than personal milestones, which happen naturally when the focus remains on winning.
“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,” Kohli added.
