Virat Kohli Reflects on Tennis and Cricket Pressure Comparing India-Pakistan Clash to Wimbledon Finals

Virat Kohli Reflects on Tennis and Cricket Pressure Comparing India-Pakistan Clash to Wimbledon Finals

Virat Kohli recently made a touching comparison between two sports very different from one another and how players experience pressure in both. Following the viewing of the Wimbledon 2025 matches in London with his wife Anushka Sharma the ex-Indian cricket captain commented on how tennis professionals handle constant pressure on a weekly basis and how that experience is very much in line with what Indian cricketers go through during important World Cup matches particularly high-stakes ones against Pakistan. Kohli was speaking while having a chat with tennis great Vijay Amritraj and was being aired on Star Sports providing fans with an insight into the mind games players face across sports.

Kohli said that the number of pressure-filled moments may vary but the intensity experienced in a World Cup knockout game or an India-Pakistan match is as suffocating as the sort of pressure that great tennis players encounter on a daily basis. He told how in a high-profile cricket match players tend to feel their knees trembling at the mere intensity of the moment. That type of mental and emotional pressure he stated can be compared only to what tennis giants endure in a Grand Slam from the quarterfinals right through to the final. In his opinion the psychological durability and physical fitness of tennis players are indeed commendable and should receive enormous respect.

He also pointed out that sports such as cricket pose their own special challenges. In cricket, for instance, a cricketer may prepare himself early in the morning and then end up sitting in the dressing room for several hours waiting to bat. In all this time the situation of the game could change so much and the player has to remain attentive and ready for any eventuality. Kohli pointed out that unlike tennis where there is a known format and conditions in advance, cricket players usually have to continuously adapt and react to unexpected changes on the ground. This uncertainty contributes to stress and the demands of the game.

Kohli who retired from Test cricket and T20 Internationals recently with a record of 9230 runs and 30 centuries in 123 Test matches highlighted one of the key differences between cricket and tennis. For a batter in cricket there is usually just one chance. One error could see your innings shut with nothing to do but sit and watch the rest of the match. Unlike tennis players have more opportunities to come back. Even after being two sets down and being behind they can still come back and win the match. Kohli was impressed by this element of tennis and referenced the resilience and determination required to play with such sustained pressure.

One of the most fascinating moments in the conversation was when Kohli discussed how daunting it should be to compete on the Centre Court at Wimbledon. Although cricket grounds can accommodate huge crowds he described how the space between spectators and players tends to provide cricketers some breathing room. They are able to filter out the sound, and remain in their own state of mind. But in tennis particularly at Wimbledon the crowd is very close to the court and the players can hear every cheer every whisper every moment of tension. Kohli acknowledged that such proximity would likely get him nervous if he were required to play under such circumstances. He added that although he had played in crowded stadiums around the globe nothing was as daunting as standing on Centre Court with supporters so near to the action.

During the interview Kohli also expressed his respect for Novak Djokovic. He explained that he is in contact with the Serbian tennis player and the duo have communicated via messages over the years. Kohli complimented Djokovic not only for his success on the court but also for remaining humble and gracious in his everyday interactions. Kohli hoped that Djokovic would continue to take home this year's Wimbledon title which would be his 25th Grand Slam award. According to Kohli such a win would be a huge moment in Djokovic’s career and a major milestone in the debate over who is the greatest tennis player of all time.

Regarding his ultimate Wimbledon final wish Kohli wanted to witness a battle between Djokovic and Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz who is the current champion. He stated it would be a perfect contest and in case of Djokovic's victory, it would be a great way to win one more legendary title in his name. Kohli evidently has huge admiration for both players and enjoys the quality they provide to the game.

Despite Kohli stepping away from some forms of cricket his interest in sports and profound appreciation for the mental and emotional complexities athletes go through remain strong. His musings make us remember that although sports vary in rules and format the human experience accompanying every performance is replete with similar emotions fears hopes and pressures. Kohli’s comparison between the pressure of an India vs Pakistan cricket match and the mental battle of a tennis Grand Slam makes it easier for fans to understand the toll high-level sports can take on even the greatest athletes.

In the end his words not only showed respect for tennis but also gave fans a rare insight into what goes on in the minds of top players during key moments. From sitting in the dressing room waiting for the call to bat to dreaming of Centre Court finals Virat Kohli’s observations reflect a lifelong dedication to sports a deep appreciation for excellence and a unique perspective that only an athlete of his caliber can share