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Pakistan match brings out the best in all of us: Kohli

June 13, 2019 20:36 IST

'Just about going out there and having a game plan, executing it.'

IMAGE: Virat Kohli celebrates a wicket with Jasprit Bumrah. Photograph: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Indian captain Virat Kohli promised the marquee World Cup clash with Pakistan will bring the best out of his players, who are mentally ready to execute their game plans.

Kohli was speaking after the game between India and New Zealand was abandoned without a ball being bowled, in Nottingham, on Thursday.

 

"It's been competitive for years, it's a marquee event all over the world, honour to be a part of the big game. Brings out the best in all of us," Kohli said of the June 16 face-off at Old Trafford.

"For Sunday, we know we are there when it comes to the mindset. Just about going out there and having a game plan, executing it," he added.

Like in previous editions of the showpiece, the upcoming India-Pakistan match has also generated a lot of buzz, with fans of both teams eagerly awaiting the start of the game.

"As soon as you enter the field, it's calm and relaxed. The atmosphere from the outside, for the first time, it's a bit intimidating, but we will look to execute well."

Talking about Shikhar Dhawan, who has suffered a thumb injury, Kohli said, "Shikhar will be in a plaster for a couple of weeks, we will assess and see. Hopefully, he will be available for the later half and the semi-finals. He is motivated, we wanted to keep him back."

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