Virat Kohli shares his experience of playing in Eden Gardens for first time

The India vs South Africa clash in the ODI World Cup 2023 is currently underway at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Virat Kohli has been in exceptional form in the ongoing tournament. He is the highest runscorer for the Men in Blue, having scored 442 runs in seven innings. In the year 2009, Mohun Bagan Athletic Club won the P. Sen Trophy here in Kolkata. The former India captain was 20 years old back then and shared his experience of his first time playing here in the City of Joy. 

Kohli then scored only half-century for his side. The star batter celebrates his 35th birthday on Sunday in the game against the Proteas at the iconic ground. The 35-year-old has come a long way since then he is currently the best batter in ODI of this generation. He is in fine form in the ongoing ODI World Cup the batter is just one century away to tie with Sachin Tendulkar's 49th ODI century. 

In the P.Sen Trophy, he had scored 184 off just 121 balls in that final match against Town Club. Kohli would love to score his 49th century on his birthday at this ground because he got his first ODI century in Eden Gardens. 

Bahut tough thaa. Lag raha tha skin phat raha hai: Virat Kohli

Kohli remembers his first experience of playing in Kolkata, he said, "Bahut tough thaa. Lag raha tha skin phat raha hai (It was tough. The heat was unbearable)." Talking about his 49 century his childhood coach said, "He is not tensed about his 49th hundred. His job is to contribute to the team's cause and he has done that. We still discuss about the game. For me, what stands out is his discipline, dedication and above all staying so rooted and humble in this journey."

Team India's head coach Rahul Dravid said about Kohli's form in the tournament in the pre-match conference, "I think Virat's been really relaxed and as you can see in his performances, you know, batting really well for us, really keen to do well as he always is. So, look, I haven't noticed anything different. He's always been the same. He's always been professional, always been hardworking, always been switched on. So, nothing different."