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Virat Kohli remains excited to make his return to the Champions Trophy. He reckons that the tournament represents consistency over the years has the pressure of a T20 World Cup.
Virat Kohli remains excited for the return of the Champions Trophy. (Image: AP)
India batting icon, Virat Kohli shared how he has always liked the ICC Champions Trophy and remains happy that the tournament is making its return after over seven years.
The tournament returns after its last edition was in 2017 where India was by Pakistan in the final by 180 runs with Fakhar Zaman starring with a blistering century along with Mohammad Amir’s fiery spell, removing India’s star-studded top order comprising of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli cheaply.
Kohli highlighted that the return of the tournament brings forth more meaning to the 50-over games being played through the season as only the top-8 teams are able to qualify for this competition.
“The tournament is happening after a long time. I have always liked this tournament. It represents consistency as you have to be in the top 8 of the rankings (to qualify). The level of competition is always good,” Kohli told Star Sports.
Kohli, who has played three editions of the 50-over event in 2009, 2013 (when India won) and 2017, likened the tournament to the fast-paced T20 World Cup.
“In ODI format, it creates the pressure of a T20 World Cup. There also you have three or four games in the league stage. If you don’t start well, you are under pressure. The pressure is from the first game itself and that is why I like it, you have to be at your best from game one,” said the former India captain.
Kohli holds stunning numbers in this competition having played 13 games in the tournament, scoring 529 runs at an average of 88.16. He will hope to get back to his best form as India open their campaign by taking on Bangladesh.
India will play their remaining league games against Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2. While the tournament host is Pakistan, India will be playing all the games in Dubai as part of the event’s hybrid model.
Kohli might not have been in the best form of late, but he looked signs of returning to form with a fifty against England in the third and final ODI. He hopes to come back stronger and end doubts regarding his abilities even at his age.
(with PTI Inputs)
- Location :
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
