Virat Kohli, by 2011, was already a rising star in Indian cricket. Three years into his international career, he’d earned the crucial number three batting position. The World Cup that year presented a golden opportunity to solidify his place on the global stage. His debut match against Bangladesh in Dhaka, however, came with a surprising dose of pre-game jitters.
Despite his usual animated and aggressive persona, Kohli recently confessed to feeling nervous before the game. The weight of the World Cup and the presence of legendary teammates created a unique pressure.
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“It was my first game, in Dhaka against Bangladesh, and yes, I was nervous,” Virat Kohli admitted in a Star Sports interview. “There’s a different kind of excitement in the air during a World Cup, and I could definitely feel it. Being the youngest member, playing alongside all these Indian cricket greats in a World Cup match – it was a special occasion.”
‘I Will Not Lie…’: Virat Kohli Recalls Feelings Before World Cup Debut Match In 2011#ViratKohli https://t.co/1fspcIETSo
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But nerves didn’t translate to a poor performance. Kohli smashed a brilliant century, his first in a World Cup match, on his debut! His knock of 100 runs came off just 83 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes. He also stitched together a crucial 203-run partnership with Virender Sehwag, laying the foundation for a dominant Indian victory.
Interestingly, Virat Kohli believes his pre-game nervousness actually contributed to his success. “The night before, I was definitely quite nervous,” he shared, “but that’s a good sign. It means your body’s preparing you to be alert and focused. I think that nervousness helped me be aware, be sharp, and execute my plans perfectly.”
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Virat Kohli’s debut World Cup performance was a testament to his talent and mental resilience. He channelled his nervous energy into a match-winning century, announcing himself as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
