Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke recently spoke about Virat Kohli's knock against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final. Kohli scored 84 off 98 deliveries and anchored the run chase for the Men in Blue in the contest.
Virat Kohli was given a life during the game as the Aussies dropped him. He was looking good to get a hundred but was eventually dismissed by Adam Zampa who dismissed him for the sixth time in ODI cricket.
However, India got to the target with contributions from Shreyas Iyer (45), Axar Patel (27), KL Rahul (42*) and Hardik Pandya (28).
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Virat Kohli Is An Absolute Freak - Michael Clarke
Clarke further said that the only way Australia could have won the semi-final was by bowling out India in the match. He further said that Australia missed a few opportunities and did not attack Virat Kohli enough.
"We had to bowl India out to win the game. If they bat 50 overs they are going to chase those runs. It's just simple as that. I think we missed some opportunities at the start just not to maybe bring the field in a bit tighter and attack a bit more. Virat Kohli. What an absolute freak, he's the best one-day player I have ever seen" said Clarke on the Beyond 23 podcast.
He further said that Australia had to get Virat Kohli out early in the chase knowing that he is the best chaser in the game. He added that he was disappointed once the Aussies dropped him and the bowlers did not attack him enough.
"His record tells you he's the best chaser in the game. So very simple, if you get Virat Kohli out, you have a massive chance of winning the game. We dropped him on 50 and I just don't feel we attacked him enough," he said on the" Clarke said.
Clarke concluded by keeping India ahead in the contest against New Zealand saying that the batters are well aware of their roles are are not feared to get out. He further appreciated Virat Kohli saying that he is controlling the ship for India.
"Rohit Sharma the captain, the way he is batting. He's probably not at his best but he's taken maximum risk because he knows that is what's best for the team. Virat Kohli's controlling that ship. Their middle order has so much power. Shreyas Iyer the way he played, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul - not fearing getting out. So they are playing finest cricket. New Zealand need to do the same," Clarke concluded saying.
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