World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli speaks on India vs Pakistan ‘marquee event’

Nottingham: Captain Virat Kohli has spoken about the “marquee event” between India and Pakistan at the ICC World Cup 2019 on Sunday (June 16) in Manchester.

Speaking after the India-New Zealand game that was washed out due to rain at Trent Bridge on Thursday (June 12), Kohli said it was an honour for him to be a part India-Pakistan clash.

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“It's an opportunity to create excitement. It's a marquee event all over the world and it's an honor to be a part of such an event,” Kohli said.

“We're playing some good cricket so we're not too worried about where we stand. Having two wins gives you that extra confidence. We will have a couple of practice sessions so we know where we are in terms of mindset and skill. It's also about going out and having game time. We are quite ready to take that game on,” the 30-year-old right-hander added.

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On the amount of pressure that the game brings to the players, Kohli said, “As soon you as enter the field it's calm and relaxed. The frenzy around it is a bit intimidating for the guys doing it for the first time but for us it's about being professional as always, do the basics right and look to get a result your way."

India have never lost a World Cup game to Pakistan. They have won all their previous six games starting from 1992 to 2015.

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When the two sides met in Australia in the previous edition, India won by 76 runs after Kohli’s century (107) helped the side post 300/7 in 50 overs. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 224 with Mohammed Shami taking four wickets.

So far, India have won two games, against South Africa and Australia. They are at third position in the table with five points.

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