Following India’s triumph in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai, Virat Kohli stated his belief that India possesses a squad capable of ‘taking on the world’ for the next eight years.
Speaking after the match, Kohli expressed his satisfaction in leaving the team in a strong position for the future. He lauded the performances of young players like Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, highlighting their significant contributions with the bat.
Kohli mentioned that this Champions Trophy victory served as a positive response to their previous Test series defeat in Australia. He described the win as an ‘amazing feeling’, emphasizing the team’s desire to rebound and win a major tournament.
During the celebrations, Kohli acknowledged the abundant talent within the team’s dressing room. He emphasized the senior players’ role in supporting and guiding the younger players, contributing to the team’s overall strength.
He further added that the team thrives on playing for titles under pressure, with every player stepping up to deliver impactful performances throughout the tournament. Kohli praised the team’s dedication and hard work in practice sessions.
Kohli also commended the New Zealand team for their consistent high performance in recent tournaments, despite having limited resources. He acknowledged their exceptional planning and execution skills, recognizing them as the best fielding side globally and a top-tier team.
In closing, Kohli expressed his respect for New Zealand’s captain, Kane Williamson, despite him being on the losing side, emphasizing the mutual respect between the two players and teams.