Kohli Discusses 'Delhi da Munda' and a Relaxed Mindset Ahead of 300th ODI
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Synopsis
As India gears up for a crucial match against New Zealand in Dubai, Virat Kohli reflects on his Delhi roots, expressing that being a 'Delhi da munda' signifies a relaxed approach to challenges. Both teams aim for the top position in Group A of the Champions Trophy, impacting their semi-final paths.
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli speaks about the meaning of being a 'Delhi da munda'.
- He emphasizes a stress-free approach to life and cricket.
- Both India and New Zealand have qualified for the semi-finals.
- The match will determine the leader of Group A.
- Implications for the semi-final matchups are significant.
New Delhi, March 2 (NationPress) As India prepares to battle New Zealand in Dubai for the top spot in Group A of the Champions Trophy, prominent Indian cricketer Virat Kohli shared insights about his Delhi upbringing, stating that his identity as a 'Delhi da munda' symbolizes a carefree attitude towards challenges.
Kohli is on the brink of achieving his 300th ODI as he steps onto the pitch at the Dubai International Stadium this Sunday, having already established himself as the only player in ODI history to record 51 centuries and being the third player after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara to surpass 14,000 runs in this format.
"I can't say that I'm a classic Delhi da munda all the time. This phrase embodies a stress-free mindset. My life has taken me to many wonderful places, so while I may not always fit the stereotype, there are moments when I truly feel like one," Kohli remarked in a video shared by ICC on Instagram.
In the same video, head coach Gautam Gambhir, another proud Delhiite, emphasized that the essence of the Delhi spirit is about striving to win every time a player steps onto the field.
"The Delhi spirit is straightforward: aim to win each time you take the cricket field. This lesson was instilled in us during our upbringing in Delhi," Gambhir explained.
Both New Zealand and India have secured their spots in the Champions Trophy semi-finals, but this match will determine who leads Group A, influencing the playoff arrangements.
The semi-final lineup for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set, although the specific matchups are yet to be finalized. Joining India and New Zealand from Group A will be Australia and South Africa from Group B.
Interestingly, these same four teams competed in the semi-finals of the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup.
If India triumphs and leads the group, they will face Australia, the second-ranked team from Group B, while New Zealand will square off against South Africa, who topped Group B. Conversely, if New Zealand wins and leads Group A, they will contend with Australia, with India taking on South Africa instead.
