After winning the Champions Trophy for the second time in his remarkable career, Virat Kohli was overcome with emotion. India won back-to-back ICC titles on Sunday, March 9, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Kohli hit a century against Pakistan in the group stage and a game-winning 84 against Australia in the semi-final, but he was removed cheaply on Sunday. He finished with 5 innings pitched and 218 runs at an average of 54.50.
After failing to score any runs in India’s 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series earlier this year, the 36-year-old came under intense criticism. However, with outstanding performances in the Champions Trophy, he and the Indian team both hushed the detractors. Following the disaster in the red-ball format, Kohli claimed that the players were inspired to turn things around. He also gave the team’s young players credit for their contributions under duress.
“We haven’t held a Champions Trophy in a very long time, and the structure is excellent. This was our goal. We came here and won a major competition after a difficult tour in Australia, which has once again increased our team’s confidence. Different guys performed well in various matches during the tournament,” Kohli told Star Sports.
“In previous tournaments, there were times when we failed to complete games or take advantage of pivotal opportunities. However, we gained knowledge from those experiences this time. You should support seasoned players because they have been through similar situations before and you have a chance to improve things if you put in the necessary effort and implement what you have learnt.
“KL (Rahul)’s performance in the previous two games is evidence of that experience. The temptation to get another chance and get past it is always present when you’ve been in those circumstances previously and were unable to cross the queue. And we accomplished precisely that.
Throughout the competition, we emphasised the importance of concentrating on our abilities rather than the opponents’. This is the reason you play the game—for these major tournaments—despite all the difficulties. I feel extremely fortunate to have played for so long and accomplished this, and winning four ICC titles is a true blessing,” he remarked.
It’s disappointing to see a close buddy lose: Virat Kohli
Throughout the tournament, Kohli praised New Zealand’s skill, particularly their fielding performance. Additionally, he sympathised with his close friend Kane Williamson, who lost his second ICC event.
“What New Zealand can accomplish with a small number of players has always amazed us. They arrive with a predetermined strategy. Each fielder is aware of the bowler’s intended bowling location. They have the greatest fielding team and a great deal of faith in their abilities. A big thank you to them. “Only love between us, sad to see a very good friend (Kane Williamson) on the losing side,” Kohli added.
With four wickets and an over remaining, India managed to chase down a 252-run mark in the final. Rohit Sharma’s vital 76 off 83 balls earned him the title of Player of the Final.
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