Dubai: Like many times before, master blaster Virat Kohli anchored India’s successful chase against Australia in the semifinal of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The 36-year-old fell 16 runs short of a 52nd ODI century but claimed that milestones ‘don’t matter anymore’ in a larger context of the game. With the target inching closer and K.L. Rahul starting to hit boundaries from the other end, Kohli uncharacteristically fell trying to hit a six off Adam Zampa.
“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,” said Kohli in the post-match interview.
Kohli scored his 74th ODI half-century and also became the highest run-scorer for India in Champions Trophy history, surpassing Shikhar Dhawan’s tally of 701 runs in 10 games from 2013 to 2017.
With the early dismissal of Shubman Gill, Kohli stitched partnerships of 91, 44, and 47 with Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and Rahul to help India stride into their fifth Champions Trophy final, the most in tournament history.
With only five boundaries to his name, Kohli was happily rotating the strike, as that’s what was required according to the conditions on a tough batting pitch.
“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 run rate is six an over, I am not bothered,” he said.
With this win, India became the first team to qualify for the Champions Trophy final for the third consecutive time. They will now take on the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand in Dubai on March 9.
(IANS)
