The ICC World Cup 2023 is nearly here, and this time it’s India hosting the big event on their own turf. The last time India claimed the World Cup was in 2011, led by MS Dhoni. That tournament was also a send-off for Sachin Tendulkar, and now in 2023, the focus is on winning it for Virat Kohli, possibly his final World Cup.
In the context of the World Cup 2023, Virat Kohli pointed out that he comprehends the excitement and expectations fans place on the players. He also acknowledged the pressure that players face during such big events. However, he stressed that the players’ hunger for World Cup victory is unparalleled.
“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,” Kohli said at a promotional event.
Kohli is well-acquainted with World Cup victories. He guided India to victory in the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2008, and he also contributed to the success of the MS Dhoni-led Indian team in the 2011 50-over World Cup held in India. Speaking on that, the former India captain said:
“My career highlight ïs obviously winning the World Cup in 2011. I was 23 at the time, and I probably didn’t understand the magnitude of it. But now at 34, and has played many World Cups, which we haven’t been able to win. So, I understand the emotions of all the senior players.”
“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,” added Kohli.
It Would Have Been A Nightmare: Virat Kohli On ‘No Social Media’ in 2011 WC
Kohli also admitted to the high-pressure environment during the 2011 World Cup. He also mentioned that the absence of social media back then was a blessing; otherwise, it might have turned into a nightmare.
“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,” he said.
“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,” Kohli concluded.
There is no doubt that in the present day, social media plays a significant role, bringing about considerable pressure on the players. The optimal strategy for players would involve refraining from using social media throughout the World Cup and concentrating entirely on the esteemed competition.
