2023 sets the long-awaited World Cup fever in motion. ICC released an announcement stating details about the 50 overs World Cup. The first opening match is between England and New Zealand, in the world’s largest cricket stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium. India is honoured to host both the opening and final matches for the upcoming World Cup.

With the 2011 World Cup win, India proudly became the first country to win the cricket world cup on home land. Remembering this day, Sehwag in an interview drew parallel to the 2011 World Cup, and exclaimed his wish for the Indian team to maintain this legacy. He also stated that the last win was a tribute to Sachin Tendulkar, in the same manner, the 2023 World Cup should be a tribute to Virat Kohli.

“We played that World Cup for Tendulkar. We won the World Cup, and it was a great exit for Sachin paaji,” were the exact words of Sehwag.

He further elaborated by saying, “Virat Kohli is (now) in Sachin Tendulkar’s shoes. The way he plays, talks, looks after others and the way he plays cricket with his passion, he is the one now. Everybody is looking to win this World Cup for Virat Kohli.”

“Virat Kohli is the same now. Everybody will look to win the World Cup for him. He always gives more than 100 per cent. I think Virat Kohli is also looking (forward) to this World Cup.

 Virat Kohli has led the Indian cricket team to great achievements, except for winning the ODI World Cup. He almost had the trophy when India reached the semi-finals in 2019. This is a crucial win for Virat Kohli as he sees his team being led to victory.

Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest batsman of all time. He aced more than 18000 runs in ODIs along with 44 to 49 centuries. Sachin waited for the World Cup win for a very long time, as he played in 6 world cups, facing disappointment each time. He got to win the title only at the end of his career in the World Cup of 2011. Sachin scored 18 runs in his last World Cup before he was dropped by Lasith Malinga. The entire team dedicated this win as a farewell for Sachin Tendulkar.

The 2011 Indian team was under the captainship of MS Dhoni. The young and versatile team showed great excellence. They reached the finals and faced Sri Lanka with all their might and skills. Dhoni’s team did not let him down. They fulfilled the target of 275 runs with only 10 balls remaining. Captain Dhoni finished the match showing his excellent batsmanship.  It certainly captured the hearts of millions of Indians celebrating this win. It was also a triumph for Team India, who had fulfilled their promise to win the World Cup for Sachin.

Sehwag’s wish is to adorn the former captain with the same experience. He deserves to win the World Cup as a former captain and a true legend. Team India has a strong and balanced team for the 2023 World Cup, with experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, and young stars like Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw and Mohammed Siraj. They have the talent, the skill and the hunger to win the title on home soil. But they also need to have the motivation, the inspiration and the determination to win it for Virat Kohli. They must play with the same passion and intensity that Kohli shows on the field.The team needs to support him, back him and rally around him.