"I Still Like Encounters": Virat Kohli Lets Out War Cry Ahead Of World Cup 2023

Sta India batter Virat Kohli is all set for the upcoming ODI World Cup challenge. The tournament this year will be hosted in India. It will kick off on October 5 with the final match taking place on November 19. While admitting that pressure will be there during the mega event, Kohli said that not only the fans but the Indian cricket team also wants to win the World Cup "very badly". Kohli, who has played for India at the highest level for 15 years now, added that he loves challenges.

"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 during a promotional event in Bengaluru as quoted by PTI.

"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," he said.

Kohli, though, is no stranger to winning a World Cup. He had led India to the ICC U-19 World Cup victory back in 2008 and he was also part of the MS Dhoni-led India side that triumphed in the 2011 50-over World Cup at home.

"My career highlight is 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 (in 2011).

"All the more for Sachin Tendulkar, as it was his last World Cup. He