'A class player, he knew exactly what his team needed' - Michael Clarke reflects on Virat Kohli's knock in CT 2025 against Australia

Team India secured a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final after a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-final on Tuesday. Virat Kohli once again got his side through, with a sensible 84-run innings, and anchored India's successful chase of 265. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke heaped huge praise on Kohli, calling him the greatest one-day cricketer of all time for his ability to step up to the occasion under pressure.

While chasing the target, the Men in Blue were in early trouble after losing both openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, within the first eight overs. However, Kohli and Shreyas Iyer’s 91-run partnership steadied the innings, allowing the side to recover. The veteran batter dealt with only singles and doubles and hit just five boundaries throughout, maintaining a strike rate of 85.71. 

"Once again, he assessed the conditions brilliantly. 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," Clarke said exclusively on JioHotstar.

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Their partnership was match-winning: Michael Clarke

On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer also played a crucial role in the run chase of the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal, scoring 45 runs. Clarke opined on his aggressive approach, which helped India cruise through in the middle overs and tackle the spinners.

"He played really well. He has that aggressive approach, 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. 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.

Despite Kohli’s dismissal in the 43rd over to Adam Zampa while attempting an inside-out shot over covers, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul ensured India crossed the finish line. Pandya’s 28 off 24 balls and Rahul’s unbeaten 42 off 34 balls, including the match-winning six, helped the side clinch victory with four wickets in hand. Rohit & Co. will now face the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa in the finals on March 9, in Dubai.