Virat Kohli, ODI World Cup winner when India last hosted the tournament in 2011, says he and his teammates are ready to give their best when the showpiece event returns home next month and make the dreams of Indian fans come true once again.
The Men in Blue, under Mahendra Singh Dhoni, beat Sri Lanka in Mumbai in 2011 to win the coveted trophy 28 years after Kapil Dev’s Devils made history at Lord’s.
Kohli is now eager to end their 12-year-long wait for the title, having failed in the 2015 and 2019 editions in Australia-New Zealand and England, respectively.
“The passion and unwavering support of our fans is what fuels our determination to win the World Cup,” Kohli told Star Sports.
“The memories of past World Cup victories, especially the iconic 2011 win, are etched in our hearts, and we want to create new memories for our fans.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this incredible campaign, which perfectly captures the emotions of our fans, and we’re ready to give it our all to make their dreams come true,” he added.
Kohli’s thoughts were echoed by all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. “As a cricketer, there’s nothing more motivating than knowing that millions of fans are standing behind you, cheering for your success,” he said.
Kapil’s view
Kapil Dev, who led India to World Cup glory in 1983, believes the current team is ready to win the trophy at home but he doesn’t want to put the favourite tag on the hosts as a lot would depend on luck.
“I think if we can come in (the) top four, that is more important and then it will be about stroke of luck and everything,” Kapil said.
“We can’t say right now that we are favourites, of course our team is very good. Heart says something else, mind says no we have to work very hard.
“I know our team, I don’t know about other teams, so I would say it is unfair for me to give a blank answer.”