Champions Trophy 2025: 'Bigger The Stage, Bigger Becomes Virat Kohli'
March 05, 2025
Virat Kohli played a fine innings to help India get into the final.
Photo : AP
Virat Kohli dished out yet another classic ODI innings to help India beat Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai and storm into the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Words would fail to describe how good Kohli is while chasing, as he rotated the strike, picked singles, and converted singles to doubles, easing the pressure and showing why he is truly one of the greats of the game.
No one comes close to Virat Kohli when chasing, and in the Champions Trophy semi-finals, he has been in phenomenal form, with scores of 58* (64) against Sri Lanka in 2013, 96*(78) against Bangladesh in 2017, and 84 (98) against Australia in 2025.
Kohli also became the second batter after Tendulkar to hit 8000 runs in ODI chases. In Champions Trophy history, Kohli also surpassed Shikhar Dhawan as India's highest run-scorer. Hence, it is not without reason that even commentators on air waxed laurels about the Indian legend. "Bigger the stage, bigger becomes Virat Kohli,' said Ramiz Raja on air.
Virat Kohli has an enviable record while chasing.
Photo : Twitter
Meanwhile, after the match, an ecstatic Kohli was seen celebrating with skipper Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Reflecting on his innings, the 36-year-old said, "It is about understanding the conditions and rotating the strike because partnerships on its pitch are important. It all depends on the conditions and then I play my innings."
"My timing, my composure at the crease, I wasn't rushed. The singles that I took were the most pleasing part for me. This game is all about pressure. If you go deep into the game, the opposition usually gives in. It is important to control your impulses," he added.
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