Virat Kohli is probably saving for the final: Rohit Sharma backs star cricketer amid poor show with bat in T20 World Cup

Speaking during the after-match ceremony, Sharma said: "We understand his class. Form is never a problem when you've played for 15 years. Probably saving for the final."

He hopes to put up a strong show in the final.

India last won an ICC event in 2013 during the leadership of MS Dhoni.

India won the ICC Champions Trophy that year.

He described the semi-final match victory against England as 'very satisfying'.

"Worked very hard as a unit and it was a great effort from all. We adapted really well, conditions were challenging. That's been the success story for us so far," the skipper said.

Also read: Former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq accuses Rohit Sharma and his Indian team of ball tampering

Despite a strong run in the World Cup last year, India lost in the final against Australia in the 50-over mega event, leaving the cricket-crazy nation shocked.

In the 2022 edition of the 20 over World Cup, England beat India to cruise to the final and eventually win the trophy for the second time inn the history fo the tournament.

India will now face South African hurdle in the final.

This is the first time South Africa has reached the final of the ICC World Cup, ending their long years of hiccups in the semi-finals which began in 1992.