Dubai [UAE], March 5 (ANI): Former cricketers Sreesanth and Lalchand Rajput congratulated the Indian team for their splendid performance in the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia and lavished praise on 'Chase Master' Virat Kohli for delivering another memorable performance.

Virat calibrated a flawless route to chase down the 265-run target and steer India to the final with his impeccable 84 from 98 balls, including five fours and relying heavily on strike rotation.

The 36-year-old toppled numerous records as India effortlessly chased down the target to secure its place in the final with a four-wicket win. For the former India coach, Lalchand, Virat proved why he is considered the number-one batter in the world.

'This was an easy win. Virat always makes runs. Today also, he proved why he is the number one batsman in the world,' Lalchand told ANI.

Sreesanth, a member of the 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team, was proud of the way India orchestrated a victory against a resilient Australian side.

'I am very proud of the Indian Cricket team. India is the best. Australia is not good enough; they have to work hard. Indian cricket is way ahead of the league,' Sreesanth said.

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal also extended his wishes to the Indian team, commended Rohit Sharma for his exceptional leadership quality and called Virat the 'champion' of the ODI format.

'It was an amazing game to watch. Australia is a different team in the finals and the semi-finals, but the boys played very well. The way the team is playing under Rohit's leadership is commendable. Virat Kohli is undoubtedly the champion of the ODI format,' he said.

Virat eventually perished while trying to attack spinner Adam Zampa for the sixth time in ODIs. However, he had done enough damage to allow Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul to fill Dubai's sky with their fireworks and send the Indian team to the final. (ANI)