T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli downplays hype around India, Pakistan clash

India's cricket icon and former captain, Virat Kohli, downplayed the significance of the upcoming clash against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Speaking on Jio Cinema, Kohli emphasized focusing on the present moment rather than the hype surrounding the match. 

"The frenzy around and outside the game is way more than what happens on the field. An instinctive person always remains in the present. So, forget June 9, I can just do what I have to do now after one hour,” Kohli said.

Expressing his hunger for success in the tournament, Kohli highlighted the importance of maintaining a competitive mindset to perform at his best.

"I can say I'm as hungry as ever. Once there is no hunger, you won't see my in any tournament. If I don't have that mindset, I can't play. There is an energy in such tournaments and once there's a good atmosphere within the team, it's a beautiful journey. We had one in the last World Cup. We really enjoyed the World Cup. I'm sure we'll have a really good tournament this time as well,” he further added.

With an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Kohli has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket, amassing an impressive tally of international runs across formats, including 80 centuries. 

Currently leading the run charts in the ongoing IPL, Kohli's stellar form bodes well for India's prospects in the upcoming World Cup. 

India will kickstart their campaign against Ireland on June 5, followed by the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9, and subsequent matches against USA and Canada on June 12 and 15 respectively, all to be held at the same venue.