In the opening semifinal of the Champions Trophy 2025 played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, March 4, Indian men’s cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was all praises for his long-time India teammate Virat Kohli after hitting 84 runs out of 98 balls to secure India’s four-wicket victory over Australia.
Having come out at his normal No. Kohli hit five fours and ran 56 singles to help Indians feist off the Australians’ assault from their 3rd. With KL Rahul (42*), he posted 91 runs for the third wicket with Shreyas Iyer (45), 44 runs for the 4th wicket alongside Axar Patel (27), and 47 runs for the fifth wicket.
Kohli earned the Player of the Match accolade for his outstanding bat performance.
When Rohit was questioned about Kohli’s innings during the post-match presentation, he replied, “He (Virat) has done it (won matches) for us for so many years. We were quite calm. We wished for the large base Shreyas and Virat had. Finally, Hardik’s shots were particularly meaningful.
Rohit said he has always stressed having six bowling options available without sacrificing the batting depth, which was evident in the team’s convincing victory over Australia.
I had been really hoping for six bowling selections followed by batting until No. 6 as well. This is an issue we talked about when we were putting together the team. Rohit noted that everyone who participated in forming the team deserves credit.
Becoming the first captain on Tuesday to reach the final of all four ICC competitions, Rohit remarked his team members were precise at the crease.
Halfway through the game, we believe it was an acceptable score, and we have to bat very well throughout. I felt we had the bat in great order. We were quite cool headed. The wicket appeared better and that has been the norm of the pitches.
The one performing today was somewhat better. We just want to enjoy good cricket; what the pitch is performing is perhaps not so significant in our eyes.
