Horrible Hangover’: Virat Kohli Opens Up on 2019 World Cup Semi-Final Heartbreak

Mumbai: Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has candidly opened up about the devastating aftermath of India’s 2019 ICC World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand, calling it a “horrible hangover” that left him directionless in its immediate aftermath.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with sports anchor Mayanti Langer, the former India captain recalled the painful loss in Manchester, where India, chasing a modest target of 240 on a rain-hit reserve day, were stunned by a disciplined Kiwi pace attack. Despite a valiant fightback by MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, India fell short by 18 runs, crashing out of a tournament where they were strong favourites.

Describing the emotional toll, Kohli said, “2019 was massive. That was also the first time the semi-final ended and we were just leaving Manchester. You wake up not knowing what to do… that feeling when you have a horrible hangover. I had no idea if I should drink coffee or brush my teeth — I was completely gone.”

The 36-year-old batter also reflected on a series of near-misses that shaped his career: the 2014 T20 World Cup final, 2015 ODI World Cup semi-final, 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final, and the 2017 Champions Trophy final. These repeated setbacks, Kohli admitted, added to the emotional weight when India finally lifted the T20 World Cup in 2024, calling it a moment of redemption.

Kohli in Red-Hot IPL Form
Amid these reflections, Kohli continues to shine on the domestic front. In the ongoing IPL 2025 season, he currently holds the Orange Cap with 505 runs in 11 innings at a stellar average of 63.12, including seven half-centuries and a best score of 73 not out.

With a career total of 8509 runs in 263 matches, Kohli remains the highest run-scorer in IPL history. His record-breaking 973-run season in 2016 is still unmatched, and his loyalty to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since the inception of the league has made him an iconic figure for the franchise.

Under Kohli’s blazing form, RCB currently sits at the top of the IPL 2025 points table, with eight wins in 11 matches. Though the team has reached the finals thrice — in 2009, 2011, and 2016 — they are yet to clinch the coveted trophy. With momentum on their side, 2025 might finally be the year RCB ends their title drought.

From heartbreak to hope, Kohli’s journey continues to inspire millions — a tale of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of unfinished dreams.