Kohli Discusses Trusting His Shots After Stunning Cover Drives Against Pakistan
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Synopsis
In a thrilling match, Virat Kohli's exceptional century secured India's six-wicket victory over Pakistan, ensuring a place in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy. Kohli's cover drives were key to his performance, demonstrating his skill and confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Kohli's century led India to a significant victory over Pakistan.
- He hit seven cover drives during his innings.
- Kohli emphasized the need to trust his shots for confidence.
- He became the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs.
- The match showcased the competitive atmosphere between India and Pakistan.
Dubai, Feb 24 (NationPress) Indian cricket sensation Virat Kohli achieved a remarkable century, guiding his team to a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan and securing their spot in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy. With a stellar performance on a sunny Sunday in Dubai, Kohli sealed the match with a boundary, marking his 51st ODI hundred.
This match provided the perfect stage for Kohli to showcase his renowned cover drive, during which he hit seven boundaries. Recently, the seasoned right-hander had faced challenges executing this shot and had been dismissed several times trying to play it.
Reflecting on his cover drive, Kohli emphasized the importance of trusting his skills early in the game to build confidence during this high-stakes match.
"It’s a catch-22. Over the years, it has been a bit of a weakness for me, but I’ve scored many runs with that shot. Today, it was all about trusting my shots. The first couple of boundaries I hit were cover drives on the rise, so I had to take a calculated risk and commit to my strokes," Kohli shared in a video released by bcci.tv.
"When I play those kinds of shots, I feel in command. It was a fulfilling innings for me personally, and our teamwork was commendable," he added.
In addition, Kohli became the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs, most of which came from the number three batting position. "I was able to play the way I wanted and contribute to the team's success. It's a great feeling. Winning was crucial for our qualification," the 36-year-old stated.
"One of my main considerations while batting at number three is to minimize risks and ensure I place my team in a winning position. Finishing the game during a chase is always preferable. My role has consistently been to adapt to the game’s demands; I focus and strive to fulfill that," he elaborated.
"The atmosphere is always more vibrant when facing Pakistan, especially in this region, given the equally passionate fan bases from both nations. It was a fantastic day for our team and for me personally," he concluded.
India's next challenge is against New Zealand in their final Group A match on March 2.
