Virat Kohli Regrets Missing Final: In another masterclass chase, Virat Kohli was instrumental in India’s five-wicket triumph over Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal. The victory not only booked India’s spot in the final but also provided sweet revenge for their 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat to the same rival.
Despite scoring a brilliant 84, Kohli admitted that he failed to execute the final touch as planned and got dismissed while attempting a big shot with India at 225 runs.
Kohli’s Template for Success: Rotation and Partnerships
The Indian batting great, who has earned a reputation as a chase specialist, stressed the need for strike rotation and partnership building in high-pressure games. Kohli said that his strategy was the same as in his innings against Pakistan, when he registered his 51st ODI century.
“I think there were around seven fours when I reached a hundred against Pakistan. For me, it’s about just getting an understanding of the conditions, setting up my game accordingly, and rotating the strike. Partnerships on this pitch were the most crucial thing. My only attempt today was to form enough partnerships,” said Kohli.
Missed Finish: ‘That’s the Template I Follow…’
Kohli admitted that he had a well-thought plan to complete the match, but it did not go according to plan.
“At the time I got out, the plan was to get 20 more and then finish it off in a couple of overs. That’s the template I follow, but sometimes you can’t do things the way you want to. It’s all based on the conditions,” he said.
For missing a century, Kohli’s 91-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer proved to be vital in India’s innings consolidation.
Milestones No Longer Matter for Kohli
Kohli got out trying to go for an aerial shot off Adam Zampa, caught by Ben Dwarshuis, missing the well-deserved hundred. Though, the 36-year-old maintained that personal milestones are no longer important to him.
“When you don’t think about milestones, they occur along the way towards success. To me, it is all about pride in doing the job for the team. If I reach a three-figure figure, fine. If not, nights like this—with us winning—are what really count.”
India’s Road to the Final
With this win, India has reached the Champions Trophy 2025 final, with high momentum. Kohli’s calm batting, coupled with KL Rahul’s finish six, delivered the victory in style and fashioned a captivating final.
Though Kohli may have fallen short of the final flourish, his innings again illustrated why he is one of the greatest chasers in cricketing history.
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