February 23rd 2025.
In a high-pressure match against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, Indian captain Virat Kohli revealed his strategy of attacking the pacers while playing it safe against the spinners. He executed this plan brilliantly, scoring a sparkling hundred and leading his team to a six-wicket victory. As a 36-year-old, Kohli expressed his relief at having a week-long break before their next game, acknowledging the physical toll it takes on him to put in such a performance.
With this win, India has almost secured a spot in the semifinals and has all but knocked out the hosts from the tournament. Kohli's 100 not out off 111 balls was mostly made up of quick singles and doubles, with only seven boundaries. Speaking about his milestone, he said, "At 36, a week off is very good. It takes a lot out of me to put in that much effort." He was referring to the last group A clash against New Zealand on March 2, where he completed his 51st ODI hundred with a four off the last ball.
Heading into such a high-stakes game, Kohli faced some challenges against the spinners. However, he was able to bat in his usual manner and control the middle overs, not taking any risks against the spinners and attacking the pacers. "I was happy with the template, it's how I play in ODIs," he said at the post-match presentation, also mentioning that his job was made easier by Rohit Sharma's early dismissal.
Kohli also reached a special milestone during the run chase, becoming only the second Indian and third overall to amass 14000 ODI runs, after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. Reflecting on his approach in the innings, he said, "I have a decent understanding of my game. It's about keeping the outside noise away, taking care of my energy levels and thoughts." He also emphasized the importance of clarity and credited his teammates Rohit, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer for their contributions in the tricky pitch conditions.
When asked about the pressure and expectations surrounding a match like this, Kohli shared his mindset of giving his 100% on the field and not getting caught up in the frenzy. "When you put your head down and go about your work, things work out," he said. His dedication and focus on the game have clearly paid off, and he hopes to continue his good form in the upcoming matches.
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