Virender Sehwag Feels India Like 2011, Virat Kohli Will Give Everything To Win CWC 23

Former opener Virender Sehwag believes that taking inspiration from their previous World Cup triumph, India would like Virat Kohli to win the upcoming tournament as the 2011 batch did for Sachin Tendulkar.

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The ICC announced the schedule of the 50-over World Cup on Tuesday

The ICC on Tuesday announced the schedule of the 50-over World Cup, which begins on October 5 in Ahmedabad with England and New Zealand playing the opening match, with the world’s largest cricket stadium hosting the final on November 19.

Their wait to lift the trophy has now stretched for over a decade

Since winning the 2011 World Cup, of which Kohli was a part, India has won only one ICC event – the 2013 Champions Trophy – and their wait to lift the trophy in another global competition has now stretched for over a decade.

“We played that World Cup for Tendulkar. We won the World Cup and it was a great farewell for Sachin Paaji,” Sehwag said during an ICC event to announce the World Cup schedule.

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Virat Kohli (now) replaces Sachin Tendulkar

“Virat Kohli (now) is in place of Sachin Tendulkar. The way he plays, talks, takes care of others, and plays cricket with the same passion he has now. Everyone is rooting for Virat Kohli to win this World Cup.

“Virat Kohli is still the same. Everyone would want him to win the World Cup. He always gives more than 100 per cent. I think even Virat Kohli is looking forward to this World Cup.

Sehwag said India are favorites to win their blockbuster encounter against Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 15 as they can handle pressure comparatively better.

The Burden is on Pakistan that it has not been able to win against India

Sehwag said, ‘I think now India can handle the pressure that’s why they win while Pakistan has the burden of not winning against India. In the 1990s, they were good at handling pressure but after 2000, India handled it better.

“If a player says they don’t feel the pressure, I don’t think it is right. We used to say so too, but at the end of the day, we know it is an India vs Pakistan game and emotions run high,” he said.

Sehwag said players from countries like England and Australia perform well if wickets are good but the same players struggle against spin.

Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan said since the World Cup is in the subcontinent, spinners will have a big role to play and agreed with Sehwag that India, England, Australia, and Pakistan could be favorites for the semi-finals.

“I am looking forward to the India-England match, it will be a tough match. England is playing very well at the moment. India is one of my favorite teams in my mind because they are playing at home and they know the conditions very well. They know how to win in India,” Muralitharan said, adding that Adil Rashid would be his pick as the most successful bowler in the competition.
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