Following a match-winning innings against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal, Indian cricket star Virat Kohli spoke about his passion for cricket and batting. He emphasized that as long as his love for the game remains strong, everything else falls into place. Kohli’s impressive knock of 84 runs from 98 balls, featuring five boundaries and numerous elegant singles and doubles, showcased his enduring run-chasing prowess and undiminished hunger for runs. His performance was crucial in India’s victory over Australia, propelling the team into the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand and South Africa. Kohli was rightfully awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his vital contribution.
In a post-game interview with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kohli shared his thoughts: “I simply love playing cricket, and I am passionate about batting. As long as this love for the game and batting is alive within me, other aspects naturally take care of themselves. You avoid getting into desperate situations and losing focus. The key is to keep working towards the team’s objectives, and more often than not, you will achieve favorable outcomes.”
Expanding on his current approach to the sport, Kohli mentioned the excitement he feels for major matches. He focuses on giving his best, adapting to the game’s situation, which often involves rigorous running between wickets – a skill he has mastered.
“For me at this stage of my career,” Kohli explained, “it’s about rising to the occasion for these important games, feeling the excitement, stepping onto the field, and hopefully contributing to the team’s success. This involves working hard, running hard between the wickets, and playing according to the match situation. When all these elements align and come together, it brings immense satisfaction, especially when you help the team cross the finish line. It’s a great feeling.”
He further commented on the team’s collective effort: “It’s always encouraging when players step up throughout the innings. Hardik Pandya played some crucial shots when we were under pressure. KL Rahul delivered an outstanding performance to close out the game, and Shreyas Iyer formed a valuable partnership with me. It’s the combined effort that counts. The team is in a positive space. We’ve qualified for the final, we have a couple of days to rest, and we’re all looking forward to it.”
Recapping the match, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. After losing an early wicket, Travis Head (39 off 33 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes) and Steve Smith built a 50-run partnership. Smith continued to anchor the innings, adding half-century stands with Marnus Labuschagne (29 off 36 balls, with two fours and a six) and Alex Carey (61 off 57 balls, with eight fours and a six).
Carey remained at the crease until the 48th over, before being dismissed by a direct hit from Shreyas Iyer. Australia was eventually bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.
Mohammed Shami (3/48) was India’s leading bowler, supported by Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) who spun a web around the Australian batsmen. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya each claimed a wicket.
During India’s chase, the team faced early setbacks, losing captain Rohit Sharma (28 off 29 balls, with three fours and a six) and Shubman Gill (8) to be at 43/2. A 91-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (45 off 62 balls, with three fours) steadied the innings. Kohli also shared a 44-run partnership with Axar Patel (27 off 30 balls, with a four and a six) and a 47-run partnership with KL Rahul (42* off 34 balls, with two fours and two sixes).
Hardik Pandya contributed a quickfire cameo of 28 runs from 24 balls, including a four and three sixes, helping India secure victory. India reached 267/6 in 48.1 overs.
Nathan Ellis (2/48) and Adam Zampa (2/60) were the top wicket-takers for Australia.
