Sehwag calls on India to win World Cup for Kohli, echoing 2011’s tribute to Tendulkar

Former opener Virender Sehwag believes India aims to win the upcoming tournament for Virat Kohli, similar to the 2011 victory dedicated to Sachin Tendulkar.

The ICC recently released the schedule for the 50-overs World Cup, commencing on October 5 in Ahmedabad.

India’s success in global events since 2011 has been limited to the 2013 Champions Trophy, leaving them eager to end their decade-long wait for another trophy.

“We played that World Cup for Tendulkar. We won the World Cup, and it was a great exit for Sachin paaji,” Sehwag said during an ICC event to announce the World Cup schedule.

“Virat Kohli is (now) in Sachin Tendulkar’s shoes. The way he plays, he talks, he looks after the others, and the way he plays cricket with his passion, he is the one now. Everybody is looking to win this World Cup for Virat Kohli,” he added.

“Virat Kohli is the same now. Everybody will look to win the World Cup for him. He always gives more than 100 percent. I think Virat Kohli is also looking (forward) to this World Cup.

“100,000 people will watch you at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat knows how the pitches will behave. I am sure he will score a lot of runs and he will do his best to win the World Cup for India.”

With the World Cup being hosted in India across 12 venues later this year, the country’s expectations to end their trophy drought will be high, especially as India plays in nine different venues during the league stage.

Virender Sehwag believes India is the favorite to win their highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on October 15 in Ahmedabad, citing their ability to handle pressure better compared to Pakistan. He noted that while Pakistan had been adept at managing pressure in the 1990s, India has improved in this aspect since 2000.

“If any player says that they don’t feel pressure, I don’t think it’s right. We used to say it too but at the end of the day, we know it’s an India versus Pakistan game and emotions run high,” he said.

Sehwag said players from countries like England and Australia tend to do well if the wickets are good but the same players struggle against spin.

“A player from the subcontinent has a better idea (of playing spin) than someone coming from outside,” he said, adding that India and Pakistan could end up playing a final before the final if they meet in the semifinals.