Virat Kohli Opens Up About Feeling Pressure Ahead of T20 World Cup on Champions Trophy Return: 'The Last Time...'

No one, not even Kohli himself, could have predicted what was to come. In the years that passed, Kohli eventually decided to step down as captain, failing to secure an ICC title during his seven-year tenure despite reaching the knockout stages of three tournaments. Now, eight years after that devastating loss at The Oval, Kohli is returning to compete in his last Champions Trophy. With a victory in 2013 and a second-place finish four years later, the stakes are higher than ever for Kohli. This time around, anything less than lifting the trophy will not suffice.

"Firstly, the Champions Trophy is taking place after a long time. I personally always liked the tournament because this is the representation of playing cricket constantly – when you're in top-8, you are rewarded playing the tournament. The level of competition is always special. And as far as I can remember, this tournament has always remained very competitive," Kohli said in an interaction with Star Sports.

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Why is Virat Kohli feeling T20 World Cup-like pressure?

India open their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on Thursday, three days before their blockbuster clash against Pakistan. Kohli has fond memories of playing Bangladesh in an ICC tournament from 14 years ago. Every Indian player and cricket fan knows why the year 2011 is special. But at the same time, Kohli is aware of the threat that awaits him and India. The Group stage of this tournament is designed in a way that any early lapse could result in ouster. Look no further than the 2021 T20 World Cup. Kohli knows the danger of it, liking the pressure to that of a T20 World Cup final, and is eager to turn things around.

"The last time when he played against Bangladesh in an opening match of the tournament, it went really well. We won the World Cup in 2011. We have good memories. This feels like a T20 World Cup pressure in ODI format. It's very similar, because there too you play only 3-4 matches. So it's very important to start well. That's why I like it. There's pressure from the first game so you have to bring you’re A-game," he added.

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