With only three league phase matches, every match is like a must-win contest in the Champions Trophy. India’s former captain Virat Kohli said it is imperative to kick off the tournament on a high as the pressure can pile upon you if you don’t start well.

India is in Group A with arch-rivals Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. The Men in Blue will commence their campaign against Bangladesh at Dubai on Thursday and Rohit Sharma’s team will look to hit the ground running.

Kohli said he likes the tournament as it respects the consistency of the ICC Rankings as the top eight teams qualify for the event. The talisman had led India to the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy but they suffered a 180-run loss against Pakistan in the summit clash.

Speaking to Star Sports, Virat Kohli said, “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. 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.”

Kohli has scored 529 runs in 13 matches of the Champions Trophy at an impressive average of 88.16 and has a strike rate of more than 92.

Kohli also scored a decent knock of 52 runs in the final ODI against England at Ahmedabad. There is no doubt that he is going to hold the key for India in the Champions Trophy.