‘(Milestones) don’t matter as much anymore… only effort today was to string enough partnerships’

Virat Kohli helped guide India to the ICC Champions Trophy final with a composed 84-run knock in a chase of 265 runs against Australia on Tuesday. After India were reduced to 43/2 at one stage, losing both openers, Kohli combined with Shreyas Iyer (45 runs) to set the platform for a comfortable chase.
In the end, player of the match Kohli missed out on a century after getting caught at long on while trying to hit a maximum.
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Asked at the post-match press conference what aspect pleased him the most about today’s innings, Kohli said: “I think my timing and composure at the crease were key. I wasn’t feeling desperate; I was happy knocking ones around. As a batsman, you start taking pride in hitting those singles into the gaps. That’s when you know you’re playing well. You’re in for a big partnership, settle the nerves down a bit, and head towards chasing the total down. So for me, in the game against Pakan and today, that was the most pleasing factor.”
01Virat Kohli speaks after the matchQ: Tell us about the innings. Was it slightly unusual in that you conceived it mostly with singles?
Virat Kohli: I think it was similar to the game against Pakan as well. It was about 7 fours when I got to 100 that day. For me, it’s about understanding the conditions, preparing my game accordingly, and rotating strike because partnerships on this pitch are crucial. My only effort that day and today was to string enough partnerships. When I got out, the plan was to get 20 more and then try to finish it off in a couple of overs. Usually, that’s the template I follow, but sometimes you can’t execute things as you want to. It’s all dependent on the conditions. The pitch dictates how the cricket needs to be played, and then I just switch on and play accordingly.
Q: You had a century in the last game and a near one today. Are you playing this format as well as you’ve ever played?
Virat Kohli: Well, I don’t know. That’s up to you guys to analyze. I’ve never focused on those things. I think I’ve spoken to you about this before. When you don’t think of those milestones, they happen along the way towards victory. For me, it’s about taking pride in doing the job for the team. If I get to the three-figure mark, great. If not, nights like these, it’s a happy dressing room. You go back, feel grateful for what happened, and then put your head down, work hard, and go all over again. That’s what I’ve done my whole career. Those things don’t matter as much anymore. For me, it’s just about stepping up and hopefully doing the job for the team.

He then pointed out that stringing partnerships was the key to chasing the target down.
“This game is about pressure, especially in big games like semis and final. If you go deep into the innings with enough wickets in hand, the opposition usually gives in, making the game easier. It’s important to control your impulses during the game. For me, knowing the number of overs and runs left is crucial. Even if it comes to needing six an over, I’m not bothered as long as we have six or seven wickets in hand. Two set batters can turn the game around, and the opposition can only get back with wickets. So that was the plan out there.”
India will await the inner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand on Wednesday.