The semi-final clash between India and Australia was always expected to be a closely contested match, and it lived up to the hype. Australia, batting first, had put up a competitive total of 264, thanks to marvellous performances from Steve Smith and Alex Carey, who both scored (73) and (61) respectively. India, on the other hand, finished on 6-267, reaching past Australia’s total in 48.1 overs. Virat Kohli’s crucial 84-run knock played a greater role in India’s chase. He was well supported by Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul, who all made major contributions to take the side to a four-wicket win. After victory, Rohit lauded India’s innings and praised Kohli’s contribution.
"Look, nothing is certain, till the last bowl is bowled. Halfway through the game, we felt it was a reasonable score, and we had to bat really really well to get to that score. Because, the nature of the pitch doesn’t allow you to come and keep playing the way you want to play. I thought we were very clinical with the bat. We were very calm and composed in our chase,” Rohit said at the presentation ceremony.
“The wicket looked better, and that has been the nature of the surfaces. The one which played today was slightly better. We just want to play good cricket and not read too much into what the pitch is doing."
"He (Virat) has done it for us for so many years. We were very calm. We wanted that big partnership which Shreyas and Virat had. Then the shots by Hardik in the end were very crucial.”
Rohit Sharma also stressed on having six bowling without disturbing the batting depth.
"That is something I really wanted, to have six bowling options and then batting till No. 8 as well. This is something we discussed while making the squad. Credit goes to everyone who were involved in making the team. When you have six bowling options you can choose whoever you want.”