Virat Kohli's last appearance in the Champions Trophy was a bittersweet moment, as it marked his closest shot at clinching an ICC trophy as the captain of the Indian men's cricket team. Back in 2017, Kohli was on the verge of securing his first major ICC title just a few months after taking over from MS Dhoni. India faced off against Pakistan in the final, and given their previous dominance over their rivals, many expected a straightforward victory. However, in a surprising turn of events, Pakistan delivered a stunning 180-run defeat to India, claiming their first ICC title in eight years.

It was a shocker that caught everyone off guard, including Kohli. Over the next few years, he stepped down from captaincy without ever winning an ICC title during his seven-year tenure, despite making it to the knockout stages of three tournaments. Now, eight years after that tough loss at The Oval, Kohli is gearing up for what could be his final Champions Trophy. He previously won the tournament in 2013 and was the runner-up in 2017. This time around, anything less than lifting the trophy just won’t cut it.

"The Champions Trophy is back after quite a while, and I’ve always had a soft spot for it. It’s a true test of consistent cricket – if you’re in the top eight, you get to compete. The competition level is always intense. From what I remember, this tournament has always been fiercely competitive," Kohli shared during a chat with Star Sports.

Virat Kohli is experiencing pressure similar to that of the T20 World Cup?

India kicks off their Champions Trophy journey against Bangladesh on Thursday, just three days ahead of their highly anticipated match against Pakistan. Kohli has some great memories of facing Bangladesh in an ICC tournament from 14 years back. Every Indian player and cricket fan knows why 2011 holds a special place in their hearts. However, Kohli is also mindful of the challenges that lie ahead for him and the team. The group stage format means that any slip-up could lead to elimination, just like what happened in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Kohli understands the stakes, comparing the pressure to that of a T20 World Cup final, and he’s ready to make a strong start.

"The last time we faced Bangladesh in an opening match of a tournament, it turned out really well. We clinched the World Cup in 2011, and those memories are still fresh. This feels like the pressure of a T20 World Cup but in ODI format. It’s quite similar since you only have 3-4 matches to play. So, starting strong is crucial. That’s why I appreciate it. The pressure kicks in from the first game, and you need to bring your A-game," he said.

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