Virat Kohli recalls the 2011 World Cup Memories; calls it ‘magical’

Virat Kohli entered the international cricket scene in 2008, being hailed as a future sensation. Over the course of 15 years, he has undeniably solidified his status as a cricket legend. As the ODI World Cup is on the horizon, set to commence on October 5 with an opening match between England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad, Kohli is anticipated to be a pivotal player for India.

Recalling his participation in the 2011 ODI World Cup, which India co-hosted with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Kohli shared his insights. Guided by the adept leadership of MS Dhoni, the Indian team clinched the title, ending a 28-year quest for a 50-over World Cup victory. In those earlier days, at the age of 22, Kohli admitted he couldn’t completely grasp the enormity of the achievement. However, after being on the losing side in two subsequent ODI World Cups and five T20 World Cups, Kohli now comprehends the emotions experienced by the senior players following their triumph in 2011.

Virat Kohli said

“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 have 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 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,” Kohli said at a promotional event in Bengaluru.

At 34 years of age, Kohli emphasized the intense pressure that the senior players shouldered during the 2011 World Cup. The fans’ persistent expectations for them to secure the championship added to the weight they felt. Kohli also recounted the remarkable night when India emerged victorious over Sri Lanka in the final match held in Mumbai – a truly enchanting experience.

“I remember the amount of pressure there was on all the players when we were traveling, Thankfully, there were no social media back then. It would have been a nightmare, honestly. But through the airports, it was always just one thing – we needed to win the Cup. The senior players were always under the pump and had to handle all that pressure. It was just brilliant. And that night (after the WC win) in itself was something magical,” Kohli added.

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