Indian cricket team superstar Virat Kohli has expressed his thoughts on the challenges posed by the ICC Champions Trophy format emphasizing why the tournament is among the toughest in international cricket. Kohli is gearing up for India's opening clash in the 2025 edition set to be held against Bangladesh National Cricket Team at the Dubai International Stadium on February 20.

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ct-2025-virat-kohli-indiaAs the Champions Trophy makes its return after the last edition in 2017 the former Indian national cricket team captain acknowledged the high level of competition and pressure associated with the format.

"The tournament is happening after a long time. I have always liked this tournament. It represents consistency as you have to be in the top 8 of the rankings (to qualify). The level of competition is always good," Kohli remarked in an interview with Star Sports.

He compared the pressure in the Champions Trophy to that of a T20 World Cup, stating that each game is crucial. "In ODI format, it creates the pressure of a T20 World Cup. There also you have three or four games in the league stage. If you don’t start well, you are under pressure. The pressure is from the first game itself and that is why I like it, you have to be at your best from game one."

Nevertheless This will mark Kohli's fourth appearance in the Champions Trophy, having previously played in the 2009, 2013, and 2017 editions. Across 12 innings in the tournament, Kohli has accumulated 529 runs at an impressive average of 88.17 and a strike rate of 92.3, though he is still chasing his first hundred in the competition.