The pitch tells me how the cricket needs to be played and then I just switch on and play accordingly: Kohli

Khel Today Bureau

Dubai: Virat Kohli was happy with his timing and composure at the crease after he led India to a four-wicket victory over Australia in the first ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai.

The Indian batter top scored with 84 from 98 balls and his innings proved to be the foundation of a successful run chase after Australia had been dismissed for 264 earlier in the day.

Kohli, who won the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy back in 2013, said his game felt in a good place during his match-winning innings.

“I was not feeling desperate, and I was pretty happy knocking ones around,” he said.

“And when, as a batter, you start taking pride in hitting those singles into the gaps, that is when you know you are playing good cricket and know you are in for a big partnership.

“It settles down the nerves. That was the most pleasing factor for me today.”

Kohli’s innings featured only five boundaries but the 36-year-old was unfussed by that, explaining how he had to tailor his approach depending on the situation.

“For me it is about understanding the conditions, preparing my game accordingly, rotating strike,” he continued. “Big partnerships on this pitch are the most important thing and my effort today was to string enough partnerships [together].

“The pitch tells me how the cricket needs to be played and then I just switch on and play accordingly.

“This game is all about pressure, especially semis and finals. When you go deep into the innings with enough wickets in hand, the opposition usually gives in, and the game becomes easier.”

With a final against either South Africa or New Zealand on Sunday to come, Kohli, who fell 16 runs short of a record-extending 52nd ODI century, added that helping the team is always his focus above personal gain.

“I am never focussed on those things [milestones],” he said. “When you do not think of those milestones, they happen along the way towards victory.

“For me, it is all about taking pride and doing the job for the team and if I get to the three-figure mark then great.

“If not, nights like these, you win, it is a happy dressing room, and you feel grateful for what happened out there [on the pitch]. Then you put your head down, work hard, and go all over again.”

Speaking after the match, Australia captain Steven Smith, who topped scored in his side’s innings with 73, pinpointed the loss of wickets at crucial times as the reason for the result.

“It was not the easiest batting conditions, that is why the scores were what they were,” he said. “Having said that, I think we could have probably put a few more on.

“We lost a couple of wickets at crucial times. If we got 280+, things could have been different.

“It always felt like we were one wicket too many down at each stage of the game. If we were able to drag one of those partnerships out, that is probably where we get to 280 and then there is a little but more pressure on the game.”