Virat Kohli EXPLAINS How His Dubai Masterclass Against Pakistan Was Similar to One vs Australia in Champions Trophy 2025 S/F

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Virat Kohli is arguably the best batter of the generation, if not the best. At 36, Kohli once again showed why he is still the best and also has a lot of cricket left in him. He showed that in the game against Pakistan , which was a high-stake game, and then he repeated something similar against Australia in the knockout game on Tuesday to help India reach the final. 

ALSO READ: WATCH | Kohli YELLS in Gambhir's Ears After Hardik's Timely Sixes

Kohli scored a brilliant 84 off 98 balls which comprised of five boundaries. But it was the singles and twos that was the hallmark of the masterclass. His knock also earned him yet another Player of the Match award. 

At the post-match presentation, Kohli explained why he too reckoned that his knock against Australia was similar to the one against Pakistan. He revealed that the idea was to string in partnerships. 

'Usually that's the template I follow' - Kohli

"It was pretty similar to the other day against Pakistan as well. For me it is about understanding the conditions and preparing my game accordingly.. just rotating strike because partnerships on this pitch are the most important thing. My only effort that day and today was to string in enough partnerships. 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," he said at the post-match presentation. 

ALSO READ: WATCH | 'SPIRIT of Cricket': Kohli HUGS Smith, Maxwell After Masterclass

What Next For Team India? 

In the final, Kohli would again be expected to rise to the occasion. Given his form, he would be the biggest threat for the opposition. 

Team India have sealed their spot in the final where they will play the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa in Dubai on March 9.