“My timing, the composure at the crease”: Kohli on leading India’s chase against Australia

Virat Kohli produced yet another memorable performance to lead India into the final, guiding the team to a sensational four-wicket victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday in Dubai. With the match hanging in balance after early wickets of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Kohli’s calm and composed 84 runs under pressure helped India chase down Australia's total of 264 with ease. 

Kohli was well aided by Shreyas Iyer, forging a partnership of 91 runs. Iyer had made a crucial contribution of 45 off 62. Before the semi-final against Australia, Kohli had also led India’s chase against Pakistan during their group stage match, scoring an unbeaten century. 

"It was pretty similar to the other day against Pakistan. That was about seven fours when I got a hundred. For me, it's about understanding the conditions, 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. It's all dependent on the conditions, the pitch tells me how the cricket needs to be played and I just switch on and play accordingly," Kohli said during post-match presentation.

When asked what aspect of his innings pleased him the most Kohli said,  "My timing, the composure at the crease, I wasn't feeling desperate," he said.

Fifty-six of Kohli's 84 runs came in singles as he kept on rotating strikes. 

"This game is all about pressure, especially big games like semis and finals, and if you go deep into the innings, and you have enough wickets in hand, the opposition usually gives in, and the game becomes easier. It's very important to control your impulses while the game is going on."

"For me, what's important is to know the number of overs and the number of runs left, even if the gap's 25-30 and it comes to six an over, I'm not bothered if we have seven or six wickets in hand, because then you know, two set batters and we can turn the game around. The opposition can only come into the game with wickets. That was the plan out there."