Virat Kohli delivered a spectacular performance in the high-voltage Champions Trophy clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, scoring a meticulously crafted century while setting new records.
Reflecting on his innings, Kohli emphasized the importance of mental clarity and focus:
“I have a decent understanding of my game. It is about keeping the outside noise away, staying in my space, and taking care of my energy levels and thoughts. Very easy to get pulled into the expectations. My job is to stay in the present and do a job for the team. My keynotes to myself are to put my 100 per cent on every ball in the field, and then God eventually rewards you. Having clarity is important; it was important to understand that you need to get runs when there is pace on the ball. Otherwise, the spinners can dictate things.”
Speaking about his partnerships and the team’s strategy, Kohli said:
“Towards the end, Shreyas accelerated and I got a few boundaries as well. It allowed me to play my usual ODI game. Shubman did well against Shaheen, took him up. There’s a reason he is the number-one batter of the world. It was necessary to get about 60-70 runs in the powerplay, or we would always be chasing the game. And there, Shreyas is really coming into his own at number 4. Did well in India, and now out here as well.”
At 36, Kohli acknowledged the physical toll of the game:
“To be honest, at 36, it feels really good. Will put my feet up for a few days as it takes a lot out of me to put that kind of effort into every game.”
Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, including seven boundaries, was pivotal in helping India comfortably chase Pakistan’s total of 241. His composed innings, with a strike rate of 90.09, underscored his prowess in high-pressure situations.
Records and Milestones Achieved:
- Surpassed Ricky Ponting to become the third-highest run-scorer in international cricket with 27,503 runs.
- Became the third batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs, joining Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
- In 299 ODIs, Kohli has amassed 14,085 runs at an average of 58.20, with 51 centuries and 73 fifties.
- Maintains a strong record against Pakistan with 778 runs in 17 matches at an average of 59.84, including four centuries and a best score of 183.
- This was Kohli’s first ICC Champions Trophy century and his sixth century in ICC ODI events.
- Equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s record with 23 fifty-plus scores in ICC ODI tournaments.
- In 15 ICC Champions Trophy innings, Kohli has scored 651 runs at an average of 93.00, making him the seventh-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history.
Millions of cricket fans worldwide tuned in to watch the iconic India-Pakistan clash, witnessing yet another Kohli masterclass that further cements his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.