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Virat Kohli was at the forefront as India defeated Australia to qualify for the final of the Champions Trophy 2025.
Virat Kohli made 84 and won player-of-the-match award. (AP Photo)
Following another starring role in a successful chase, Virat Kohli has been rated as the ‘greatest one-day cricketer’ by Michael Clarke. Kohli made 84 as India defeated Australia by four wickets to enter the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Tuesday.
During the course of his innings, Kohli became the second-highest run-getter in Champions Trophy and is now 45 runs away from breaking the all-time record of Chris Gayle (791 runs).
Kohli looked set for his second century of the ongoing tournament but for his attempt at a big shot that saw him being caught at long-off in the 43rd over with India needing just 40 more to win.
“Once again, he (Kohli) assessed the conditions brilliantly,” Clarke said on JioHotstar. “A class player, he knew exactly what his team needed and how to put them in a position to win the game. We saw the same in his century against Pakistan.”
Virat has every shot in the book—there’s no questioning his ability to find boundaries. He is, in my opinion, the greatest one-day cricketer of all time, and he continues to prove it on the biggest stage, under the highest pressure. He knows what to do, and he delivers when it matters most,” he added.
Chasing 265, India lost their opening batters by inside eight overs which brought Kohli and Shreyas Iyer together. The pair took control and put India in a comfortable spot while adding 91 runs for the fourth wicket.
Iyer played another fine innings and was out after scoring 45 off 62.
Clarke said Iyer’s intent makes life easy for his batting partners.
“He (Iyer) played really well. He has that aggressive approach and great intent and always looks to play his shots, which takes pressure off his batting partner. He and Virat Kohli complement each other perfectly. Virat’s experience allows him to guide Shreyas when needed and keep him composed. Their partnership was match-winning, no doubt,” Clarke said.
“Australia managed to take a couple of wickets, and had they broken that stand earlier, especially getting Virat out, the game could have been completely different. But credit to India – they played exceptionally well,” he added.
