Indian cricketer Virat Kohli shared his thoughts on Bangladesh captain Shakib Al-Hasan’s skills in preparation for their match in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. He also highlighted a crucial aspect of the tournament, stating that “there are no big teams” in this mega sporting event.
“Over the years, I’ve faced him many times. He possesses exceptional control, is a highly experienced bowler, and excels with the new ball. He knows how to outfox batsmen and maintains an economical bowling style,” Kohli commented during an interview with Star Sports.
Kohli emphasized the need to perform at their best against all bowlers, regardless of their reputation, as any slip-up can create pressure and increase the likelihood of getting dismissed. He stressed that in the ODI World Cup, there are no guaranteed winners, and underestimating smaller teams can lead to surprising upsets.
Notably, recent matches in the tournament have seen the Netherlands defeating South Africa, and Afghanistan stunning the defending champions.
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On the other side, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al-Hasan acknowledged the significance of Virat Kohli‘s wicket, referring to him as “the best batsman in the modern era.” Shakib expressed his satisfaction in dismissing Kohli five times, emphasizing that it brings him great joy.
India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya also praised Shakib Al-Hasan, recognizing him as a “street-smart cricketer” who has carried Bangladesh on his shoulders for an extended period.
Bangladesh’s bowling coach, Allan Donald, discussed their preparations for facing Virat Kohli. He stressed the importance of planning and strategizing when it comes to Kohli, stating, “I think Virat Kohli is the player we think about the night before, or even two days ahead because that’s how highly we value his wicket.”
The comments from both sides highlight the competitive nature of the World Cup, where every team and player can make a significant impact, regardless of their reputation or size.
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