Thaindian News

New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS) Delhi batsman Virat Kohli says playing for India in the World Cup, beginning Feb 19, will be a dream come true for him. Kohli, who has proved himself as a reliable middle-order batsman in the One-Day Internationals, says he is focused to give his best in the mega-event.

Kohli says he is living a dream since leading the India U-19 team to victory in 2008.

“It has been dream run for me ever since winning the Under-19 world Cup. I am really excited to play in the World Cup. It will be a big momemnt for me. I won’t be doing anything different. I will be sticking to the basics. Trying something new will be a spoiler. I am focused on performing for India,” he said.

“There will be pressure playing at home. But we will try to avoid external pressure. The team is well prepared and eager to do well in World Cup.”

Kohli said injuries to the players will affect India’s chances.

Top batsmen Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and pacer Praveen Kumar were all injured a month before the World Cup, which begins Feb 19. While the three batsmen are expected to be fit before the event, Praveen, who sustained an elbow injury during the South Africa ODI series, is still recovering.

“Injuries do not happen intentionally. With the amount of cricket being played, you are bound to be injured. It’s unfortunate that our players got injured before the World Cup, it’s just been a bad timing,” Kohli said on the sidelines of a promotional event.

Kohli said they will like to win World Cup both for the country and for master blaster Sachin Tendulkar for whom it might be the last Cup.

“We want to win World Cup for the country as well as Sachin. I think what he has done in his career, no one has. If we win, it will be a special gift for both Sachin and India,” he said.