Champions Trophy: Rohit Acknowledges Team's Composure in Successful Chase

Synopsis

Rohit Sharma emphasized his team's composure during their chase of 265 runs against Australia, leading India to its third consecutive Champions Trophy final. The captain highlighted crucial contributions from players, underlining their confidence and readiness for the upcoming match against either South Africa or New Zealand.

Key Takeaways

Rohit praised team’s composure in chase.
Kohli’s performance was pivotal with 84 runs.
Pandya’s timely sixes were crucial.
India reached the final for the third straight time.
Rohit is confident about players' forms.

Dubai, March 4 (NationPress) India captain Rohit Sharma expressed that his team maintained a calm and composed demeanor while successfully chasing down a target of 265 runs against Australia, securing their place in the Champions Trophy final for the third consecutive time.

Virat Kohli once again shone in India's batting lineup, contributing a solid 84 runs featuring five boundaries. Meanwhile, KL Rahul remained unbeaten with 42 runs and Hardik Pandya added a quickfire 28 runs that included three sixes and a four, leading to a successful four-wicket victory in the semi-final at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.

Rohit acknowledged the match's intensity, noting that it remained competitive until the final delivery after Kohli's dismissal. However, Pandya and Rahul expertly finished the innings.

"Until the last ball is bowled, nothing is guaranteed. At the halfway mark, we believed it was a manageable score. The pitch's nature restricts shot-making. We executed our batting strategy effectively, displaying calmness throughout our chase," Rohit stated during the post-match presentation.

The captain praised Kohli's performance and highlighted Pandya's pivotal sixes off Adam Zampa during critical moments of the game.

"Kudos to everyone who contributed to the team. Kohli has consistently delivered over the years. While batting, we remained composed. The shots by Hardik at the end were vital," he remarked.

"The pitch appeared improved and played better than the one against New Zealand. It’s all about playing effective cricket. We have many seasoned players, which was my aim—to have six bowling options while also ensuring batting depth," Rohit added.

This victory marks India as the first team to qualify for the Champions Trophy final for the third time in a row. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand in the final set for March 9 in Dubai.

As the final approaches, Rohit is pleased that his players are in good form and remains unconcerned about their upcoming opponents.

"In a final, it’s crucial to have all players in form. Each player has made significant contributions, boosting our confidence. We won’t focus excessively on the opponents; both are strong teams, which is why they reached the semi-finals. It’s a high-pressure tournament, so having some downtime to relax before the final is beneficial," he concluded.