Virat Kohli names the venue he's most excited to play at in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli will play his 4th ICC Cricket World Cup this year.

Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli recently shared his initial thoughts on the schedule for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The schedule was unveiled during a special event in Mumbai, exactly 100 days prior to the tournament's opening match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5th. This is a significant moment as it is the first time India will be hosting a standalone 50-over World Cup. In previous editions, including 1987, 1996, and 2011, India co-hosted the tournament with other sub-continent nations like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

After leading India in the previous edition of the tournament in England, where they suffered a heart-wrenching loss to New Zealand in the semi-finals, Virat Kohli remains a crucial figure in India's pursuit to end their decade-long quest for an ICC trophy. The last time India clinched an ICC title was in 2013, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, when they triumphed in the Champions Trophy.

Virat Kohli excited to play at Wankhede Stadium again :

As a former World Cup winner in 2011, Kohli also expressed his anticipation for a particular venue during the upcoming World Cup on home soil. He shared his excitement about playing at the Wankhede Stadium, a venue that holds special significance for him, akin to another venue in this World Cup.

"Personally, I'm looking forward to playing in Mumbai. It'd be great to experience that atmosphere again," Kohli told ICC.

The Wankhede Stadium holds cherished memories for Indian cricket fans as it was the venue where India clinched the 2011 World Cup, triumphing over Sri Lanka in a thrilling final. In that momentous match, Virat Kohli played a vital role, batting at No.4. He crafted a crucial innings of 35 runs, forming a pivotal partnership of 83 runs with Gautam Gambhir. This partnership was instrumental in steadying the Indian innings after the early dismissals of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag during their pursuit of a target of 275 runs. The contribution made by Kohli and Gambhir proved instrumental in India's eventual victory.

"I was quite young then. I saw what it meant to the seniors. I can understand what they went through and how special it is to play a home world cup and how excited they are going to be," Kohli added.

Wankhede Stadium to Host Semi-final on November 15

Virat Kohli will have the chance to experience the familiar atmosphere once more during the 2023 World Cup as India is slated to take on Qualifier 2 at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2. This historic venue will also serve as the host for the eagerly anticipated semi-final encounter on November 15, amplifying the excitement and importance of these matches held there.