"The moment I stepped onto the field, I felt that energy" - Virat Kohli recalls 'amazing' Melbourne atmosphere ahead of IND vs PAK 2023 World Cup game

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli played arguably the knock of his lifetime when his 82* helped India beat Pakistan in a last-ball thriller in the T20 World Cup last year at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

While the two teams are set to face off in the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad on Saturday, Kohli recalled just how incredible the atmosphere was last year and how it fired him up.

In a video posted by the ICC ahead of the marquee clash, here's what Virat Kohli had to say about the build-up to that incredible T20 World Cup 2022 game:

"The lead-up to games like this is what makes it so special. The buzz in the hotel, the buzz in Melbourne in general (during 2022 T20 World Cup) and outside the stadium was amazing. The moment I stepped onto the field, I felt that energy in the stadium."

View this post on Instagram

Instagram Post

Alongside Virat Kohli, even Hardik Pandya shared his thoughts

All-rounder Hardik Pandya was also a part of the Indian team that pipped Pakistan to the post in Melbourne last year, but he believes that the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad would produce an atmosphere like no other with more than a lakh supporters cheering on.

On this, he stated:

"But definitely, I think the 14th of this month, it (Ahmedabad) will top that (Melbourne atmosphere). You know, 110000 people cheering. I can't wait. It is going to be a very exciting time."

Head coach Rahul Dravid shared his thoughts on that incredible night in Melbourne, adding:

"It is going to be a great experience to just experience that environment, experience the atmosphere. The T20 game was probably one of the most incredible environments that I have ever been privileged to be a part of."

India will be keen to maintain their unbeaten (7-0) record against Pakistan in ODI World Cups.