(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Virat Kohli Compares Wimbledon Centre Court to India-Pakistan World Cup Clash
LONDON – Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has described the atmosphere at Wimbledon’s Centre Court as even more intense than a high-stakes India vs. Pakistan World Cup match. The cricket icon attended the prestigious tennis tournament this year with wife Anushka Sharma and offered rare insight into the emotional intensity of elite-level tennis.
“It felt like an India-Pakistan World Cup clash. Maybe more intense,” Kohli said during an interview with an international broadcaster.
Kohli: ‘There’s Nowhere to Hide’ in Tennis
Reflecting on the unique pressure faced by tennis players, Kohli praised their resilience:
“In cricket, you get to hide in the outfield. In tennis, there’s nowhere to go. The crowd is right there, breathing down your neck.”
Kohli, known for his fierce competitiveness, revealed that the mental toll of playing at the top level in any sport is universal.
“Your legs are shaking from pressure in a World Cup semifinal. At Wimbledon, I saw the same thing—just in a different form. You miss a shot, the match can turn. Every point is like a delivery in a Super Over.”
Cross-Sport Respect on Display
Kohli’s comments highlight the growing admiration between athletes across sports, especially at iconic global events like Wimbledon where stars from cricket, football, film, and other industries often come together.
Despite retiring from Test cricket earlier this year, the 36-year-old remains a prominent figure in Indian sports and continues to draw headlines—both for his on-field legacy and his observations beyond cricket.
