Michael Clarke's appreciation of Virat Kohli as "the greatest ODI cricketer of all time" is yet another feather in the cap of the Indian superstar. Again, the 'chase master' justified his tag, scoring a key 84-run innings to take India to an easy four-wicket victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai.
Facing challenging conditions, Kohli arrived at the crease with the highest-ever chase against Australia in an ICC knockout match ahead of him. However, with his signature calmness, he built the innings with calculated stroke play and strike rotation, needing just five boundaries to steer India toward victory. Clarke, in awe of Kohli’s game awareness, lauded his ability to deliver under immense pressure.
"Once again, he analyzed the situation intelligently. A true blue player, he was well aware of what his side required and how to get them into the frame of a winning situation. We saw him repeat it while making a hundred against Pakistan too. Virat possesses all shots in the handbook—there's no doubting him hitting boundaries when needed. He is, as far as I believe, the best ever one-day player in history, and he justifies it further every time he does it at the grand stage with extreme pressure upon him. He knows the stuff to be done, and he delivers where the game calls," Clarke commented speaking to JioCinema.
However, Kohli’s knock might not have been enough had it not been for Shreyas Iyer’s composed innings at the other end. Coming in after the early dismissals of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma inside the powerplay, Iyer’s presence was crucial in avoiding a potential batting collapse on the spin-friendly Dubai surface. His 91-run partnership with Kohli for the third wicket proved to be a game-changer, once again cementing his status as a dependable top-order batter in ODIs.
Clarke acknowledged Iyer’s impact, emphasizing how his approach complemented Kohli’s leadership at the crease.
"He played excellent. He has that intent, that belligerent intent, and always wants to play his shots, which also frees up his batting partner. He and Virat Kohli complement each other beautifully. Virat's experience also means he can mentor Shreyas when required and keep him calm. Their combination was match-winning, no doubt."
The past Aussie skipper also highlighted the importance of keeping that partnership intact, as it could have shifted the game towards Australia had it been lost too early.
"Australia did take a couple of wickets, and if they had gotten past that stand sooner—particularly sending Virat back—the game could have been really different. But credit to India—they played terrifically," Clarke added.
With this victory, India now awaits the victory of the winner of the second semi-final contest between New Zealand and South Africa in the March 9 final of the Champions Trophy.
Read Also | This is not our home, pitch has given us different challenges, Says Rohit Sharma
