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Virat Kohli terms ICC World Cup 2019 as ‘most challenging’, dismisses IPL fatigue
Indian captain Virat Kohli, who will be playing his third World Cup, opined that this is the most challenging global tournament that he will be a part of due to the format.
Indian captain Virat Kohli sounded the war bugle on Tuesday while addressing the media, along with coach Ravi Shastri, ahead of the team’s departure for the ICC World Cup, which begins on May 30.
Kohli, who will be playing his third World Cup, opined that this is the most challenging global tournament that he will be a part of due to the format. All ten teams will play a total of nine matches, against each of the other teams, and the top four from the points table will qualify for the semi-final. The ICC last used this format for the World Cup in 1992.
“This will be the most challenging World Cup out of the three I have been part of because of the format. It’s a different challenge and one that every team will have to adapt to.” said Kohli, whose team start their campaign against South Africa in Southampton on June 5.
ICC WORLD CUP 2019 FULL COVERAGE
Kohli also spoke about the workload management issue during the IPL and said that all the players are well rested and in good form.
WATCH: Most challenging World Cup, says skipper Virat Kohli, before leaving for England
“The only expectation we have is to play good cricket. We go into the World Cup feeling very balanced and confident. All our players have been in great form in the IPL. Handling pressure is the most important thing in the World Cup and not necessarily the conditions. All our bowlers are fresh, no one looks fatigued,” the Indian captain added.
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The recent ODI series between England and Pakistan produced big scores and Kohli suggested that he and his team are ready for high scoring games.
“We expect high-scoring games. With the summer in England the conditions will be nice.”
Coach Ravi Shastri spoke about the bowling attack and the importance of MS Dhoni to the side.
“MS Dhoni will play a massive role. When it comes to little moments that can change the game, he will be valuable. It was good to see MS Dhoni moving well in the IPL. He has a massive role. There is no one better than him in this format especially in those little moments which can change the game. He will be a big player in this World Cup.”
“We are an experienced bowling unit. Each one compliments each other and keeps the pressure. This unit has done it across formats and we aim to do the same at the World Cup,” Shastri, who was the team director during the 2015 ICC World Cup said.
