The 'Player of the match' in India's run chase against Australia in ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Virat Kohli, missed out on a well-deserved hundred as he played a lofted shot off leg-spinner Adam Zampa. KL Rahul had hit a six in the over and at that time, there was no need for another risky shot but Kohli went for it. However, Rahul alongside Hardik Pandya ensured India get over the line in the penultimate over. After the match, Kohli revealed that the plan was to get 20 more runs and then attack.
"The time that I got out, the plan was to get 20 more and try and finish it off in a couple of overs. Usually that's the template I follow but sometimes you can't execute things how you want to. It's all dependant on the conditions, the pitch tells me how the cricket needs to be played and then I just switch on and play accordingly," Kohli said in the post-match presentation.
What Kohli said about his dismissal?
However, Kohli was did not rue missing out on the opportunity to get to his 52nd ODI century. The 36-year-old said that milestones don't matter to him anymore as long as he does the job for the team.
"When you don't think of those milestones they happen along the way towards victory. For me, it's all about taking pride and doing the job for the team. If I get to the three-digit mark, great. If not, nights like these, you win, it's a happy dressing room. You go back, you feel grateful for what happened out there and then you put your head down, work hard and go all over again. That's what I have done all my career. For me, those things don't matter anymore. For me, it's just about stepping up and hopefully doing the job for the team," India's leading run-scorer in Champions Trophy said.
Kohli's approach in knockout run chases
Kohli also talked about soaking up pressure and how having wickets in hand is an advantage in run chases like these. He also pointed out that it is crucial to control the impulse to attack.
"This game is all about pressure, especially in big games like semis and finals. If you go deep into the innings and have wickets in hand, the opposition usually gives in and the game becomes easier. It is very important to control your impulses while the game is going on. For me it's important to know the number of overs and runs left. Even if the gap is 25-30 and it comes to 6 an over I am not bothered if we have 6-7 wickets in hand," the 36-year-old said.
India will now face either South Africa or New Zealand in the final of Champions Trophy 2025.
