Right ahead of the ODI World Cup clash against Team India on October 19, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan was all praise for Virat Kohli as he termed the batting juggernaut the best batter in the modern era.
After notching consecutive three victories, India will next face Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday.
Shakib-al-Hasan-led Bangladesh have won just one of the three matches they have played so far in the ongoing ODI World Cup, while Rohit Sharma's India have clinched hat-trick of wins after beating Australia, Afghanistan and then Pakistan in their initial ties
Meanwhile Shakib, who had snared Virat Kohli's five times in the international cricket, said that he wants to replicate that yet against when Bangladesh take on India in Pune.
"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, taking his wicket," Shakib told Star Sports.
Kohli is universally acknowledged as one of the premier batters of the modern era, with a slew of records to his name. His ODI career boasts an impressive tally of more than 13,000 runs, featuring 47 centuries and 68 half-centuries. If we look at Kohli's performance in the ongoing ODI World Cup, he has amassed 156 runs in a span of three matches so far.
Meanwhile, Kohli too spoke about Shakib ahead of their World Cup Game. The batting maestro heaped praise on Bangladeshi skipper calling him a valued asset for the team.
"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 told Star Sports.
Kohli also said that Team India is not Bangladesh lightly ahead of their clash.
"There are no big teams in the World Cup. Whenever you start focusing only on bigger teams, an upset happens," Kohli concluded.
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