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'No One Wants to Win More Than Us': Virat Kohli On World Cup Expectations

image-llv443uvVirat Kohli's performances will be crucial for India's chances at World Cup 2023 (Twitter)

In the run-up to the World Cup 2023, Indian batter, Virat Kohli is gearing up to face the heightened expectations that come with playing the premier tournament at home.

Virat Kohli opened up on embracing challenges and his aspirations for World Cup 2023

With a career spanning over 15 years, Kohli is no stranger to challenges. He voiced his excitement for the upcoming event and stated how he thrives in the face of challenges.

Kohli mentioned at a recent promotional event that he constantly seeks fresh challenges to elevate his game. The Indian stalwart reckoned that he finds the prospect of the World Cup 2023 particularly exhilarating. According to him, encountering new experiences is essential for propelling himself to higher levels of achievement.

"Any challenge in front of you, you look forward to it. When difficulty comes in front of you get excited. You don't shy away from it. After 15 years I still like encounters, and the World Cup 2023 is one (challenge). It excites me, I need something new to, you know, propel me to another level," said Kohli as quoted by PTI.


Understanding the pulse of a billion dreams, Kohli highlighted that the team's ambition to secure the coveted silverware is in perfect sync with the hopes and aspirations of their ardent supporters.

"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," added the veteran batter.



Reflecting on the highest point of his career, Kohli reminisced about the World Cup 2011 victory. He added that at the age of 23, he felt the enormity of the event may not have completely sunk in for him. 

Highlighting the significance of the 2011 win, he also paid tribute to Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli recalled how special it was for Tendulkar to win the World Cup in Mumbai, his home turf, especially given that it was the maestro's final World Cup appearance. According to him, it was “stuff from dreams.”

Kohli also shed light on the pressure the 2011 squad experienced. He candidly acknowledged the collective sigh of relief due to the absence of pervasive social media at the time. Still, he warmly reminisced about the memorable night when the Men in Blue were crowned as World Champions.

"I remember the amount of pressure there was on 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," concluded Kohli.