Ahead of the eagerly-awaited Asia Cup 2023 showdown between cricketing giants Pakistan and India on September 2 in Sri Lanka, Indian cricket maestro Virat Kohli sounds a word of caution, advising his team to bring their A-game against Pakistan's impressive bowling arsenal.

In a candid conversation with the official broadcasters of the Asia Cup, Kohli shared his excitement and respect for the Pakistani side, especially acknowledging their bowling strength. “Facing Pakistan is always an exhilarating challenge. They are brimming with talent, and their bowling attack, in particular, has players who can swing the match’s momentum with their adept skills," remarked the star Indian batsman.

Revered for his leadership as a former Indian captain, Kohli's praise for the Pakistani bowlers comes as no surprise. "Their bowlers possess the ability to alter the game's pace dynamically. Competing against them demands us to be at the zenith of our form,” he added.

As cricket enthusiasts mark their calendars for September 2, the excitement doesn't end there. If both teams advance, they might face off again in the super-four stage on September 10 and potentially once more in the grand finale on September 17.

While the Asia Cup presents its own set of challenges and thrills, another showdown awaits the two cricketing giants. India and Pakistan will reignite their rivalry in the ICC World Cup 2023 match slated for October 14 in Ahmedabad.

Beyond the impending matches, the conversation took a turn to Kohli’s personal fondness for One Day Internationals (ODIs). "ODIs challenge you in every conceivable way, pushing the boundaries of your technique, adaptability, and game strategy. It's this complete assessment that I believe has always brought out the best in me,” Kohli asserted.

He emphasised the importance of continual improvement rather than mere performance. “My journey has been about refining my skills and mindset every day, every season. If you fixate only on performance, you might plateau after achieving a certain level. My philosophy revolves around elevating my game to benefit the team, which naturally leads to commendable performances,” explained Kohli.

The cricketing luminary concluded by sharing his daily mantra, "Striving for excellence is a daily endeavor. I always ask, 'How can I steer my team to victory from any given position?'"