After overcoming many challenges in his impressive 15-year career, Virat Kohli is now gearing up for his next big test: the ICC World Cup 2023, scheduled for October-November in India. Expressing his enthusiasm for the highly-anticipated event, Kohli mentioned that he’s eagerly anticipating the tournament while recognizing the pressure of meeting the high hopes of the local supporters.
Virat Kohli gave an exclusive statement: “The pressure is always there. The fans always say we want (the team) to win a cup very badly. I’d like to say not more than me. So, I’m in the right place. Honestly, I know the expectations are there and the emotions of the people are there. But please know that no one wants to win more than players.”
However, Kohli is no newcomer to securing World Cup victories. He guided India to success in the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2008, and he also contributed to the victory of the India team led by MS Dhoni in the 2011 50-over World Cup held in their home country.
Reflecting on his career, Kohli expressed that his most significant achievement was undoubtedly clinching the 2011 World Cup. At that time, he was 23 years old and might not have fully grasped the significance of the accomplishment. However, now at the age of 34 and having participated in several World Cups without securing a win, he comprehends the emotions experienced by the senior players.
Virat Kohli to play a key role in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023
He further continued: “All the more for Sachin Tendulkar, as it was his last World Cup. He had already played many World Cups by then and to win it in Mumbai, his hometown, was very special for him. I mean, it was stuff from dreams.”
Kohli also remembered the pressure piled on players ahead and during the 2011 World Cup. “I remember the amount of pressure there with all the players when we were travelling, Thankfully, there was no social media back then.”
“It would have been a nightmare, honestly. But through the airports, it was always just one thing — we need to win the Cup, The senior players were always under the pump and to handle all that pressure. It was just brilliant. And that night (after the WC win) in itself was something magical.”
It will be interesting to see how Virat Kohli performs in the upcoming marquee event.
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