Speaking at an event to unveil the World Cup schedule, Sehwag reminisced about playing the 2011 World Cup for Tendulkar and wished for the current Indian team to triumph in order to honor Kohli. India had reached the semi-finals in the previous two editions of the tournament, falling short of the ultimate prize.
“We played that World Cup (in 2011) for Tendulkar. If we won the World Cup, it would have been a great exit for Sachin paaji. Virat Kohli is the same now. Everybody (in the Indian team) will look to win the World Cup for him. He always gives more than 100%. I think Virat Kohli is also looking at this World Cup,” Sehwag expressed his sentiments.
Sehwag also highlighted the highly-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan on 15 October in Ahmedabad as potentially the “most exciting” contest, capturing the attention of cricket fans worldwide.
Virat Kohli prepared to perform at the big stage
Echoing the excitement, Kohli himself shared his enthusiasm for playing at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium during the World Cup. In a video message at the event, the Indian captain expressed his eagerness to experience the electrifying atmosphere once again.
“I’m looking forward to playing in Mumbai. It’d be great to experience that atmosphere again,” Kohli said.
The 2011 World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium holds a special place in Kohli’s heart, as he recalled the memories of the match where India emerged victorious against Sri Lanka.
Kohli played a crucial role in the final, scoring 35 runs and forging a vital 83-run partnership with Gautam Gambhir after the early dismissals of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar.
“I was quite young then. I saw what it meant to the seniors. I can understand what they went through and how special it is to play a home World Cup and how excited they are going to be,” Kohli shared his reflections on the momentous occasion.
With Sehwag’s hope for a World Cup triumph in honor of Kohli and the captain’s eagerness to play at the Wankhede Stadium, the Indian team gears up for an exciting and emotionally charged campaign. The fans eagerly await the tournament as India aims to lift the coveted trophy on home soil once again.