Image: Social media is in full swing over Virat Kohli at Champions Trophy 2025 / © Britannica
For the Champions Trophy 2025, Virat Kohli emphasized the importance of a strong start as India begins their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. Reflecting on India’s opening clash against Bangladesh in the 2011 World Cup, Kohli recalled how that tournament ended with India lifting the trophy. He highlighted the Champions Trophy’s competitive nature, where only the top eight teams qualify based on ICC rankings.
Kohli compared the tournament’s intensity to the T20 World Cup, noting that the short format increases pressure from the first game, making early victories crucial. “The pressure kicks in right from game one”, Kohli stated, stressing the need for teams to perform at their best immediately. India aims to build momentum and avoid the risk of early elimination in this high-stakes competition.