Following India’s victory over New Zealand in Dubai to secure their third Champions Trophy title, Virat Kohli expressed his broader vision for Indian cricket. He stated that his ambition extends beyond just winning ICC tournaments; he aims to elevate Indian cricket to a stronger position for future generations. India successfully chased down a target of 252 runs, winning by four wickets with six balls remaining. Kohli emphasized his satisfaction with the team’s current strength, believing they are equipped to compete globally for years to come.
Reflecting on the tournament, Kohli acknowledged his early dismissal in the final but highlighted his crucial century against Pakistan and his vital half-century against Australia in the semi-final as significant contributions to India’s triumph.
Speaking to JioHotstar alongside Shubman Gill, Kohli conveyed the team’s determination to rebound after a challenging tour in Australia and their eagerness to clinch a major tournament like the Champions Trophy. He credited the team’s success to the abundance of talent within the squad and the supportive environment fostered by senior players like himself, who focus on mentoring younger talents. Kohli appreciated the competitive nature of the final, valuing the experience of performing under pressure.
Kohli lauded the collective effort of the team throughout the tournament, noting impactful performances from various players. He specifically praised Shubman Gill’s outstanding play, Shreyas Iyer’s significant innings, KL Rahul’s game-finishing abilities, and Hardik Pandya’s excellent batting. Despite the joy of victory, Kohli made sure to commend the New Zealand team for their tenacious fight and consistent high level of play, especially given their relatively smaller player pool. He acknowledged their strategic execution and their consistently competitive approach to the game. Kohli recognized New Zealand as a top fielding team and expressed his disappointment for his “very good friend” Kane Williamson being on the losing side.
Kohli concluded by reiterating his admiration for New Zealand’s fundamental strengths and the competitive edge it brings to their game.
