Virat Kohli delivered an exceptional performance against traditional rivals Pakistan, scoring an unbeaten century to lead India to a convincing six-wicket victory with 45 balls remaining in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium. Following the match, Kohli candidly acknowledged the increasing difficulty he faces in sustaining his intensity and consistently putting in the hard work required.

At 36 years of age, Kohli expressed his anticipation for India's upcoming week-long break. The team is set to play their final group-stage match against New Zealand on Sunday, March 2. Kohli emphasized his intention to fully utilize this respite.

He achieved his 51st ODI century off 111 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries, as India successfully chased down a target of 242 with relative ease. Kohli showcased his renowned batting prowess, particularly with his elegant cover drives. His exceptional running between the wickets effectively thwarted any hopes of a Pakistan resurgence.

"Is a week off beneficial or not? Honestly, at 36, it is quite advantageous. I cannot speak for those aged 23 or 24, but for me, it is immensely helpful. I simply need to rest for a couple of days, as maintaining that level of effort on the field is quite taxing for me now, and I am grateful for this time off," Kohli remarked after being awarded the Player of the Match.

Entering the match against Pakistan, Kohli had been experiencing a lean patch with the bat. Left-arm spinners had posed significant challenges for him, resulting in his dismissal to slow bowlers in his last six ODI appearances.

Nevertheless, he rose to the occasion against Pakistan, demonstrating resilience. "It feels rewarding to perform in such a manner during a crucial match where we aimed to secure our place in the semifinals. Contributing in a situation where we lost early wickets and needed to build a partnership was vital. I applied the lessons learned from our previous game, particularly regarding the conditions and the approach required," he stated. 

"My role was quite clear in this context."

'Have a decent understanding of my game'

Kohli expressed that he remains unfazed by the pressure associated with matches between India and Pakistan, as he possesses a strong understanding of his own abilities.

"I have developed a solid comprehension of my game over the years. For me, it is essential to keep external distractions and noise at bay. I strive to maintain my focus and manage my energy levels, as well as my thoughts, because it is quite easy to become entangled in the expectations and excitement surrounding such matches," Kohli stated.

"My responsibility is to concentrate on my skills and contribute to the team's success to the best of my ability. A crucial aspect I remind myself of while on the field, especially during challenging moments, is to give my utmost effort on every ball I field. I believe that my hard work will eventually yield rewards, which is why I take great pride in my dedication and activity on the field," he added.

The former captain of India also commended Shubman Gill, who scored 46 runs against Pakistan, and noted that Gill has achieved the status of the world's top batter in ODI cricket. Kohli further acknowledged Shreyas Iyer, who made a significant contribution with 56 runs while batting at No. 4.

"Shubman is in exceptional form. There is a reason he holds the title of the number one ODI batter globally. Shreyas has performed admirably at number four, accumulating 500 runs in the World Cup and maintaining his excellent form in India, and now here as well," he concluded.

Read Also: India Crushes Pakistan as Kohli's Brilliant Century Seals the Win – Champions Trophy 2025

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