VIrat Kohli compares Champions Trophy semifinal knock to Pakistan game

Dubai: Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli drew parallels between his composed innings in the Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia and his performance against Pakistan, emphasising the importance of partnerships and strike rotation in challenging conditions.

"It was pretty similar to the other day against Pakistan as well. For me, it is about understanding the basics and preparing my game accordingly—just rotating strike because, on this pitch, partnerships are the most important thing," Kohli said after his match-winning 84.

The former India captain highlighted his strategy of pacing the innings efficiently. "My only effort that day and today was to string in enough partnerships. The time that I got out, the plan was to get 20 more and try and finish it off in a couple of overs. Usually, that's the template I follow, but sometimes you can't execute what you want to."

Reflecting on the aspects of his knock that pleased him the most, Kohli pointed to his timing and composure at the crease. "I wasn’t feeling desperate and felt happy knocking ones around. When, as a batsman, you start taking pride in taking singles into the gaps, that is when you know you are playing good cricket and are in for a big partnership."

The seasoned campaigner reiterated that his ability to rotate strike and stay composed played a crucial role in his both innings against Australia and Pakistan. "That was the most pleasing factor for me," he concluded.