Ace India batter Virat Kohli emphasized the importance of giving respect to every opponent in this ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 tournament. He said there are no big teams or minnows in this competition.
His words resonated after Afghanistan stunned England and the Netherlands defeated South Africa to cause ripples in the CWC 2023. India will next face Bangladesh in Pune on October 19 and many are expecting another upset as The Tigers have won 3 out 4 ODIs which they last played against the Men in Blue.
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli discussed Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan's strengths and said that "there are no big teams" in the mega event.
Virat Kohli will be the key batter for Bangladesh to get out and their best bet will be their captain Shakib Al Hasan. The two players have faced each other quite a lot over the years, and Shakib has also managed to dismiss Kohli a staggering five times.
On the other hand, Kohli has scored 140 runs off 148 deliveries from Shakib.
“Over the years, I’ve played a lot against him. He’s got amazing control. He’s a very experienced bowler. He bowls very well with the new ball, knows how to deceive the batsman, and is also very economical. You have to play your best against all these bowlers, and if you aren't able to, these bowlers are able to create pressure and increase the chances of getting you out,” Kohli said on Star Sports.
He further added: “There are no big teams in the World Cup. Whenever you start focusing only on bigger teams, an upset happens.”
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Meanwhile, Shakib also spoke on the value of Virat Kohli's wicket. "He's a special batsman, probably the best batsman in the modern era. I think I'm lucky to get him out 5 times. Of course, it will give me great pleasure, to take his wicket," Shakib said.
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya also spoke about the value of Shakib. He said: "He is a very street-smart cricketer, has been carrying Bangladesh on his shoulders for the longest years."
Bangladesh bowling coach Allan Donald spoke on how the team is planning to get Virat Kohli out.
"I think Virat Kohli is the guy for me that you think about the night before, or two days out because that's how we value his scalp,” Donald said.
Bangladesh started their CWC 2023 campaign well, defeating Afghanistan in their opening match. But since then, they have lost to England and New Zealand in their last two matches.
When compared, India has won all three of their matches thus far. They dominated Australia and Pakistan, while facing a bit tougher challenge against Afghanistan.
(ANI inputs)
