T20 Word Cup 2024: Kohli talks about India-Pakistan showdown

Mumbai: Virat Kohli, India's prominent batsman and former captain, has shared his thoughts on the forthcoming clash against arch-rival Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024.

The much-anticipated match between Pakistan and India is set for June 9 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

During an interview with Jio Cinema, Kohli commented on the heightened excitement surrounding the game, both on and off the field. "The passion around and outside the game is much more than the events on the field," Kohli remarked. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the present, saying, "So forget about June 9; I can only do what I have to do an hour later."

Kohli expressed his enduring enthusiasm for the sport, noting, "I can say that I am as hungry as ever." He added that if this hunger ever fades, he wouldn't participate in tournaments. "If I don't have this mindset, I can't play. There is an energy in such tournaments, a good atmosphere within the team; it is a beautiful journey in which we really enjoyed the World Cup," said the 35-year-old player.

Virat Kohli has been a leading figure in Indian cricket over the past decade. Since his international debut in a one-day match against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2008, Kohli has played 113 Tests, 292 ODIs, and 117 T20Is.

The right-handed batsman has accumulated 26,733 international runs across formats, including 80 centuries. He is second only to Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record for the most international centuries (100).

Kohli is also showcasing exceptional form in the ongoing IPL, being the highest run-scorer with 661 runs at an average of 66.10 in 13 innings. India's World Cup campaign will kick off on June 5 against Ireland at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.

This will be followed by the high-stakes match against Pakistan on June 9, with subsequent matches against the USA and Canada on June 12 and 15, respectively.