Team India is gearing up for their second match in the ODI World Cup 2023 against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 11. Following their impressive victory against Australia, India aims to maintain their momentum and secure their second win of the tournament. This match holds a special significance for star batsman Virat Kohli, who was born and raised in Delhi.
The anticipation is high as the local crowd eagerly awaits the opportunity to welcome Kohli back to his home ground. Notably, the stadium features a pavilion named after the cricket icon. In a conversation with Indian batsman KL Rahul, Kohli expressed his sentiments about playing in a ground where a stand bears his name.
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Reflecting on his journey, Kohli shared, “For me, that is the stadium where I grew up playing age-group Ranji cricket. I also played for India there. Those memories stay fresh in your mind. You can feel it because that is where everything started, selectors saw you for the first time and gave you an opportunity. It is special to go back and play at Arun Jaitley Stadium.”
They both got #TeamIndia the first win of #CWC23 💪
As the bandwagon moves to Delhi, here’s @imVkohli & @klrahul dissecting their match-winning partnership against Australia 👌
P.S. The local lad is bracing himself for his homecoming 🏟️
Watch the full interview 🎥 👇… pic.twitter.com/HSXYovY43T
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2023
Discussing the pavilion named in his honor, Kohli acknowledged feeling a sense of awkwardness. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition, admitting it was an unexpected honor.
“It is awkward for me to be playing in front of a pavilion named after me. I do not like to talk about it a lot. But it is a great honour and I feel happy and grateful about it, it is something I never felt would happen to me,” Virat Kohli stated during the conversation shared by the BCCI.
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As India faces Afghanistan in this crucial encounter, Kohli’s connection with the stadium adds an emotional layer to the match, making it a momentous occasion for the celebrated cricketer and his fans.
