Indian cricket team’s seasoned batsman Virat Kohli has departed for the United States to participate in the T20 World Cup cricket tournament. Kohli will feature in a warm-up match against Bangladesh. He acknowledged that the expectations of fans remain high wherever the Indian team plays.
Following an extensive IPL season, Virat Kohli opted to delay his departure to America. The Indian team decided to travel in two groups, with the first batch, led by Captain Rohit Sharma, leaving on May 25. The second group followed two days later. The IPL season proved successful for Kohli, who emerged as the highest run-scorer with 741 runs and was awarded the Orange Cap. However, his team, RCB, did not advance beyond the playoffs.
Kohli chose not to travel with either batch, instead staying in India for a few extra days. This five-day delay allowed him to recharge and spend valuable time with family and friends. Now that he has joined the team for the T20 World Cup, Kohli is expected to bring his characteristic vigor and determination to the tournament.
In a statement about the T20 World Cup, Kohli emphasized the constant expectations from fans. In a video released by Star Sports, he remarked, “Wherever India plays, expectations are going to be everywhere. I will not say that people should not expect from us. Cricket is viewed differently in our country, which is also one of our strengths. If we pay too much attention to it, it can become a weak link for us. I think we should look at this as a strength. We have to take inspiration from the support of our fans to keep playing well.”
Indian team captain Rohit Sharma echoed this sentiment in the video, expressing optimism about their chances in the T20 World Cup. He recalled India’s victory in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup under Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s leadership, noting that it has been 17 years since India last claimed the title. “We had won the tournament in the first edition, then we did well but could not win the title. This time we have a chance to become champions,” said Sharma.
This T20 World Cup will mark the final appearance for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the tournament.
