Virat Kohli "Always Tries To Sledge Me...": Bangladesh Star's Charge Against "Competitive" India Great

19.10.2023 - 03:09 sports.ndtv.com

Team India is all set to take on Bangladesh in their next ODI World Cup 2023 match on Thursday in Pune. Despite being the favourites, the Rohit Sharma-led side will aim to not be complacent as Bangladesh have beaten India three times in the last four ODIs -- twice in a bilateral series in December 2022 and then in the Asia Cup Super Four match recently.

Ahead of the match, Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim stated that he never sledges Virat Kohli as it only pumps up the star India batter. (ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table) Speaking to Star Sports, Rahim praised Kohli, calling him a "competitive guy", who always wants to win every match.

Rahim stated that he loves facing Kohli and Team India. "Some batters in the world love sledging and get pumped up by that. So I never sledge him (Virat) because he gets pumped up by that.

I always tell my bowlers to get rid of him as early as possible," Rahim told Star Sports. "Whenever I play against him, he always tries to sledge me every time I go in to bat because he is a really competitive guy and he doesn't want to lose any cricket match.

cricket India Cricket Team Bangladesh Cricket Team World Cup 2023 Virat Kohli Shakib Al-Hasan Star Sports Mushfiqur Rahim India Bangladesh

India batter Virat Kohli made history on Sunday as the veteran Indian cricket team batter equalled Sachin Tendulkar's world record of scoring the highest number of centuries in ODI cricket. Kohli continued his superb form in the Cricket World Cup 2023 as he slammed his 49th century in ODI cricket during the match against South Africa. It was a superb show from Kohli on his 35th birthday as India remained the only unbeaten side in the competition. On Monday, Kohli was once again in the news as he was filmed boarding a domestic flight and his presence sent the fellow travellers into a frenzy. The travellers seated near the former India skipper identified him quickly and started taking pictures and videos inside the flight.

Watch: Virat Kohli Equals Sachin Tendulkar's Record. Then Wows Internet By Singing Chaleya

Star India batter Virat Kohli starred with a century on his 35th birthday as India defeated South Africa by 243 runs in their Cricket World Cup match in Kolkata on Sunday. Kohli marked the occasion by smashing his 49th ODI century, levelling his former teammate Sachin Tendulkar in the all-time list. Kohli slammed an unbeaten 101 while Shreyas Iyer hit a brilliant 77 as India went on to post a total of 326/5 in 50 overs after captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat.

Cricket World Cup 2023: Not Virat Kohli! Ex-India Star Picks 'Player Of The Match' Against South Africa

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra feels that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja should have been given the 'Man of the Match' award for his exceptional performance against South Africa in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023. Jadeja with his slow left-arm orthodox ripped apart the South African batting set-up at the iconic Eden Gardens, in Kolkata. His incoming angled deliveries sometimes stayed straight or spun away from the batters making it hard for the opposition to understand and adjust to the surface. He ended with a five-wicket haul conceding just 33 runs in his 9-over spell. The left-handed all-rounder was also handy with the bat, scoring 29 runs in 15 balls in the end to power India to a score of 326-5. Even though Jadeja stood out with both the bat as well as the ball, Virat Kohli was awarded the MOM following his record-breaking ton against the Proteas.

"Yes, Kohli Is Selfish": India Great's Sharp Retort As Pakistan Great Criticises Virat Kohli After Cricket World Cup Ton

Virat Kohli's 49th century in the Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa might have brought joy to millions but there remain a few who don't agree with the approach he had en route the triple-digit score. Kohli scored 121-ball 101 as India put 326 runs on the board. On a tricky surface, South Africa could only score 83 runs in reply. But, former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez feels what he saw from Virat was a 'selfish' display of batting, something that India captain Rohit Sharma could've also done but he chose to put the team forward.

"It's Unfair To Him": Ex-South Africa Star On Call To Get Virat Kohli To Bowl

With star all-rounder Hardik Pandya out of the ongoing Cricket World Cup, India lack a sixth bowling option in their playing XI. Hardik, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, suffered an ankle injury during India's match against Bangladesh on October 19. He missed the last three group matches, before being eventually ruled out of the tournament on the eve of India's match against South Africa on Sunday. During the match against Bangladesh, Hardik twisted his ankle while bowling.

'Why Would I Congratulate Him?': Sri Lanka Star Stumped By Question On Virat Kohli's 49th ODI Ton

Virat Kohli reached a special milestone at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. This was one that was eagerly awaited by every Virat Kohli fan, one that saw Virat Kohli equalling Sachin Tendulkar's world record feat of 49 ODI tons. Virat Kohli reached the mark in 277 innings. With the ton, Virat Kohli has whetted the appetite of his fans for a 50th ODI ton. The Indian cricket team would be hoping that the feat comes in the ODI World Cup.