(Sportspics Credit)
It seems almost ludicrous to link apprehension with the iconic Indian batsman, Virat Kohli. His track record of numerous successful run chases, his trademark intense aggression, and his unwavering determination to secure victory have all become inseparable from this cricketing superstar.
However, every journey starts at the bottom, and everyone experiences the process of growth. Kohli, too, shared insights about his initial World Cup experience and the journey of finding his footing amidst the legendary players in the Indian squad.
In the lead-up to the forthcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, Kohli reflected on his emotions before his debut in the 2011 World Cup against Bangladesh.
“It was against Bangladesh in Dhaka, my first game and I was nervous. Yes, I will not lie. There is a different sense of excitement in the air when you come for a World Cup and I could obviously sense that. I was the youngest member of that team and I was getting to play with all these greats of Indian cricket in a World Cup game,” stated Kohli in talks with Star Sports.
But, it sure did not take long for the star batter to shine on the big stage though. Kohli made his debut in style as he stitched on a 203-run partnership with Virender Sehwag on his way to becoming the first and only Indian to score a century on his World Cup debut. He scored a sensational 100* in 83 balls and led India’s to a whopping 370 which ultimately led to a 87 run victory for the hosts.
“For me it was definitely a moment where I was a bit nervous heading into the game and definitely the night before I was quite nervous but that is a good sign as well because your body is preparing you to enter a situation where you’re alert, you’re not taking things for granted. I think that nervousness helped me to be aware, be alert and be absolutely precise in the execution of my plans,” added Kohli.
In the 13 years that followed, Kohli has solidified his status as a cricketing icon. Renowned for his stellar batting and consistent run-scoring abilities, Kohli has etched his name in the annals of cricketing history. At present, he stands as the top run-scorer in the T20 World Cup, amassing a staggering total of 1141 runs across 25 innings, with an astonishing average of 81.50.
Certainly, both the batsman himself and the entire nation are undoubtedly anticipating the continuation of his formidable form. With India scheduled to play Bangladesh in a warm-up match on June 1 as part of their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, there’s a collective hope for Kohli’s unwavering performance to flourish on the pitch.
