- By Ankit Bisht
- Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:13 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs BAN, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: India star batter Virat Kohli feels that there is no 'big team' in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ahead of their clash against Bangladesh.
No.1 ranked India are scheduled to take on No.9 ranked Bangladesh at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Thursday, October 19.
On cards, it might look like an easy clash but recent upsets in the tournament have made it clear that no team is favourite to win any particular match and it purely depends on how you play on that given day.
Kohli indirectly gave reference to Afghanistan and Netherlands' wins over England and South Africa respectively to prove the concept of big teams wrong.
"There are no big teams in the World Cup. Whenever you start focusing only on bigger teams, an upset happens," Kohli told Star Sports ahead of India's World Cup match against Bangladesh.
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Kohli further lauded Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan's all-round capabilities for his side over the years.
"Over the years, I've played a lot against him (Shakib). 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," Kohli said.
"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," he added.
India vice-captain and all-rounder Hardik Pandya also echoed Kohli's sentiments.
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"He is a very street-smart cricketer. He has been carrying Bangladesh on his shoulders for the longest years," Pandya said.
Shakib, on the other hand, picked Kohli as the best batter in the modern era.
"He's (Kohli) a special batsman, probably the best batsman in the modern era. I think I'm lucky to get him out five times. Of course, it will give me great pleasure, taking his wicket," he said.