Virat Kohli recently revealed the one cricket match he wishes he could have experienced as a player. The former India captain said he would have loved to be part of India's famous ODI clash against Pakistan during the 2003 Cricket World Cup, describing it as a special moment in cricket history.
The match between India and Pakistan took place at Centurion Park in South Africa during the group stage of the 2003 World Cup. India chased down a target of 274 to register a memorable six-wicket victory over Pakistan, with Sachin Tendulkar producing one of the most iconic innings of his career.
I Would Love to Be on the Non-Striker's End - Virat Kohli on Sachin Tendulkar's Iconic Knock
Speaking on a podcast for his lifestyle brand One8, Virat Kohli revealed that he would have loved to be part of India's famous 2003 World Cup match against Pakistan. The former India captain said that he wished he could have shared the crease with Sachin Tendulkar during the most memorable innings.
"That's a quite difficult one to answer. I'd probably say 2003 World Cup in South Africa. Centurion. I would have loved to be batting with Sachin Paaji when he hit that shot off Shoaib, and the way he batted that day really, like, knocked me into the reality of, woah, this is the level I, you know, want to get to. I would love to be on the non-striker's end," Virat Kohli said.
Sachin Tendulkar's Iconic 98 Against Pakistan Remains a World Cup Classic
Sachin Tendulkar scored a brilliant 98 off 75 balls in the 2003 World Cup match against Pakistan at Centurion. The innings featured one of the most memorable passages of play in ODI history, as Tendulkar took on Shoaib Akhtar with a series of stunning boundary shots.
Tendulkar smashed a famous upper-cut over point for six, followed by a flick through the leg side for four and a straight drive to the boundary on the next delivery. The three consecutive boundaries put India on the front foot and took the pressure off the chase.
India were facing a formidable Pakistan pace attack that included Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar. Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag opened the batting and gave India a flying start in pursuit of 274.
Although Akhtar eventually dismissed Tendulkar later in the innings, the damage had already been done. India successfully chased down the target to secure a memorable six-wicket victory.
Virat Kohli Recovering From Hamstring Injury Ahead of England Series
Virat Kohli is currently recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered during the IPL 2026 final on May 31. The injury occurred while he was playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium and ruled him out of India's ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan.
Kohli ended the IPL 2026 season with a match-winning 75 off 42 balls during the final. The veteran batter finished the tournament with 675 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.85.
He smashed five half-centuries and one century, helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru win their second IPL title. Kohli is expected to recover in time for India's upcoming three-match ODI series against England.
