'No big teams in the World Cup': Virat Kohli cautions against taking any side lightly ahead of Bangladesh clash

Indian batting star Virat Kohli cautioned against taking any team lightly in the ICC Cricket World Cup, saying there are “no big teams” and that upsets at the tournament usually happens whenever the spotlight is focussed on the more fancied sides.

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Kohli’s comments came after the ongoing World Cup witnessed two major upsets in a space of three days as well as in the build-up to India’s meeting with Bangladesh at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday.

Afghanistan stunned defending champions England in Delhi on Sunday, handing them a comprehensive 69-run defeat. Two days later in Dharamsala, Netherlands would hand South Africa a second defeat in as many meetings in ICC events, beating them by 38 runs.

“There are no big teams in the World Cup. Whenever you start focusing only on bigger teams, an upset happens,” former India captain Kohli told Star Sports on the eve of their match against Bangladesh.

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The Men in Blue, who are off to a dream start in the home World Cup with three wins in as many outings, have the upper hand against Bangladesh both in ICC World Cups as well as across ODIs. Bangladesh, though, have won three in four of their most recent meetings, registering a 2-1 series win at home in December before handing India their only defeat of the recently-concluded Asia Cup.

Kohli also heaped praise on Bangladesh’s captain and star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan ahead of Thursday’s fixture.

“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.

“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 added.

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India vice-captain and all-rounder Hardik Pandya agreed with Kohli’s assessment.

“He is a very street-smart cricketer. He has been carrying Bangladesh on his shoulders for the longest years,” said the Gujarat Titans captain.

Shakib, meanwhile, described Kohli as the “best batsman 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,” said the Bangladesh skipper.