'Virat Kohli Probably The Best Batsman in Modern Era': Shakib Al Hasan Hails India Batting Maestro

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan heaped praise on India batting maestro Virat Kohli as the two Asian teams are all set to take on each other in the ODI World Cup match on Thursday. India have started the campaign with a bang as they registered three wins in a row while Bangladesh had a topsy-turvy start as they won their first match but lost the next two.

Kohli and Shakib have played a lot of cricket against each other in the past decade and interestingly the Bangladesh all-rounder has dismissed the former India skipper six times in 23 matches across formats.

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However, Shakib hailed Kohli and said he is the best batter of the current generation and he was lucky to get the better of him on numerous occasions.

“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 was quoted as saying on Star Sports.

Kohli has been in phenomenal form this World Cup with a couple of half-centuries in the matches against Australia and Afghanistan. He missed out on a big knock versus Pakistan but looked in decent touch during his short stay in the middle.

Kohli also talked highly of Shakib and asserted that the left-arm spinner has amazing control and also bowls well with the new ball.

“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 said.

Meanwhile, Shakib injured himself during the eight-wicket loss against New Zealand in Chennai when he scored 40 with the bat and completed his bowling quota of 10 overs to pick up 1-54 before hobbling off the field. However, he is expected to make a return to the side for India clash.

Bangladesh started their World Cup campaign with a win against Afghanistan on October 7 but lost their next two matches against England and New Zealand.