T20 World Cup 2022: India vs Pakistan; Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma lead the way together in big matches

With nearly 100,000 people in attendance raring to go for India’s campaign opener against the arch-rivals, the atmosphere in the stadium will be electrifying, a platform most well suited for the likes of Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma.

In an exclusive interaction with Star Sports, the offical braodacaster of ICC T20 World up 2022 on their Cricket Live show former captain Kohli spoke on his understanding with incumbent Rohit as the two leaders of the Indian squad, his thoughts on India’s campaign opener against Pakistan at MCG and how it feels to bat with fiery batsmen like Suryakumar Yadav in the middle.

ICC T20 World Cup 2022 Special Page

Kohli also spoke on his rapport with Rohit and how they work in unison to try and End the Wait to get the World Cup back to India, he said “Our discussions are always on how do we win big tournaments and then, our planning and preparations are directed towards that.

“Ever since I’ve come back to the team, the atmosphere has been very good. Whenever there’s this healthy camaraderie within the group, then you look forward to doing anything you can for the team. So, our understanding and vision for the game has always been similar.

India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2022: H2H Stats, Key Players, Live Streaming, IST Time, Preview

“We always work towards covering all the loopholes no matter how small they’re. We solidify such aspects and move ahead. It’s very free flowing and all pointed towards our main goal. Everyone’s relaxed and know they’re confident and prepared. It’s just how to handle the pressure that matters. In these times, we try and lead the group for big matches and make an impact that’ll sort of relax the others. Once that momentum sets in, then everyone knows that you can ride that wave,” Kohli said.

India vs Pakistan: Early arrival in Australia will help us in the T20 World Cup 2022, says Rohit Sharma

Kohli also spoke on how he approaches games of such high magnitude and the feeling of playing in front of 1 lakh supporters at the MCG, “More than the game, I’m looking forward to that moment. The last time I experienced such a moment was at Eden Gardens where I think there were around 90,000 fans. It was a packed stadium. When I walked out, there were legends of the game like you know, Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis.

“The atmosphere was electrifying, but I needed to focus because you can get pulled into that environment. The same was at Mohali in the World Cup. There’s a different atmosphere that’s built during World Cup matches. It’s a different feeling, and you can sense that build-up, you know there’s this nervousness in the area, anticipation and everyone’s buzzing. I love those moments. It’s actually these moments that are part of the whole experience. You play to actually live these moments.”

India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2022: Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Tips, Possible Playing 11, Match Prediction

Kohli also commended Suryakumar’s batting and how comfortable it is to bat alongside someone who is so confident in their game, “It’s a great space to be while batting out there in the middle with SKY. He has a lot of fun in the middle because of his skills and ability.

“He just asks how the ball is coming from the wicket and then, within 2-3 balls, he gauges the wicket and then gets going. During our partnerships, he says that that he’ll will take his chances and just wants me to be there with him. So, I play a different role when I’m out there with him, which I’m enjoying because it works beautifully well for the team,” he added.