Virat Kohli ecstatically shakes Rohit Sharma as India triumph over Australia challenge

After hitting the winning six off the bowling of Glenn Maxwell, KL Rahul erupted in pure joy, letting out a deafening roar as he celebrated his match-winning shot. His emotions were palpable as he ran towards the other end and was engulfed in a tight, heartfelt hug by none other than his teammate Ravindra Jadeja. This rare display of raw emotion from Rahul highlighted the immense pressure and scrutiny he had faced after his performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where he received unwarranted criticism for his innings. But in this moment of triumph, all the doubts and criticisms melted away as Rahul basked in the glory of his heroics on the field.

The camera then quickly panned to the Indian dressing room, where the focus was firmly on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The senior pros were seen hugging each other, and the duo exchanged laughter upon reaching yet another final of an ICC event. Virat also shook Rohit vehemently as India got past the Australia hurdle in a knockout match.

Kohli was also seen jumping in joy and screaming from the dressing room as KL Rahul hit a massive six to take India home. KL Rahul also received a big hug from all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who scored 28 runs off 24 balls.

Hardik Pandya was at his expressive best, and he also shared laughter and hugs with Virat Kohli, the Player of the Match.

The former India captain Kohli also exchanged pleasantries with Australia captain Steve Smith and possibly applauded him for his knock of 79 in the first innings.

Kohli adjudged Player of the Match

Virat Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Match for scoring 84 runs off 98 balls, helping India chase the total. Kohli was supported by Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, who played knocks of 45 and 42*, respectively.

In the end, Hardik Pandya unleashed some massive sixes off the bowling of Adam Zampa to make India's job a tad easier.

Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 264 after opting to bat first. Steve Smith scored 79, while Alex Carey played a knock of 61.

Mohammed Shami took three wickets, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja took two each.

India will now face the winner of the South Africa versus New Zealand semi-final at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The second semi-final will be played on Wednesday, March 5.

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