'Pressure kicks in right from game one' - Virat Kohli highlights importance of being on the money in Champions Trophy

Former India captain Virat Kohli took a nostalgic tour down memory lane ahead of India’s opening match against Bangladesh in the Champions trophy 2025. Revealing his soft spot for this tournament, Kohli highlighted its fast-paced nature and highly anticipated competition. 

India will kick off their campaign in Dubai on Thursday, February 20 and Kohli recalled their last opening clash in an ICC event against Bangladesh, the 2011 Cricket World Cup. The tournament was filled with memories of a lifetime for him as India went on to lift the trophy. 

“The last time we played our first match against Bangladesh in an ICC event, things turned out pretty well for us. We won the World Cup in 2011, and I have some very fond memories of that edition,” Kohli expressed in a conversation with Star Sports.

Kohli accentuated the importance of making a strong start in Champions Trophy as it is a short tournament, where a single loss can knock out the team.

“Honestly, I have always liked this tournament. Playing in the Champions Trophy is a reward for consistency, as only the top eight teams qualify based on rankings over a period of time. The level of competition is always high,” Kohli said.

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He compared the depth and intensity of the tournament to the T20 World Cup, where only few games are alloted ot the teams in the league stage.

“If you don’t start well, you’re immediately under pressure. I think the first couple of games are very crucial. The pressure kicks in right from game one, and that’s what I enjoy, you have to be at your best from the start,” he added. 

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