World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli relishes pressure and does not want easy runs – Sunil Gavaskar

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has stated that talismanic batter Virat Kohli thrives on pressure situations and doesn’t want to score easy runs. Kohli walked out to bat against Australia in the team’s opening match of the World Cup after they lost the early wicket of Ishan Kishan in the very first over.

Kohli saw wickets of Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer from the other end and India found themselves on the mat at 2-3. However, Kohli made the most of his experience and added a crucial alliance of 165 runs with KL Rahul.

The veteran was able to absorb the pressure and kept the Australian fast bowlers at bay when the conditions were conducive for seam bowling. Kohli went on to score a magnum opus knock of 85 runs and once again proved his mettle when the pressure was on.

While speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said, “He relishes pressure and does not want easy runs.”

Gavaskar was surprised that Kohli could not convert his score into a hundred as he has a brilliant conversion rate in ODIs.

“I’m actually surprised that he got out at 85 because if there’s one batter who knows how to get a hundred, it’s Kohli”, he said.

The Little Master added India made a huge statement after coming back into the contest from a tricky situation.

“What India has shown is that they can recover even with backs on their wall. So other teams will have to watch out”, he said.

The former Indian opener also hailed KL Rahul for his fine knock of 97 runs. Rahul has been in terrific form since his return from injury.

“The way he’s batting right now really augers well for India. You have someone coming in at number 5 who can hold the innings together,” he concluded.

India will be up against Afghanistan in their second game of the ODI showpiece, which will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Wednesday.