Mumbai: Team India’s premier batsman Virat Kohli’s affection for on-field rivalries is nothing new. While Kohli’s approach towards the game is well-known, the Delhi-born player has also mastered the art of sledging, a recent instance could be the ‘friendly’ banter between Australian all-rounder James Faulkner and Kohli.
Watch: There are bowlers who double bluff, says James Faulkner
However, there’s one player who has enjoyed being part of the rivalries against Kohli and has enjoyed tremendous success against India’s Test skipper.
Bangladesh pacer Rubel Hossain shares an rivalry with Kohli, which dates back to their U-19 days.
Watch: Why Rubel Hossain sledged Virat Kohli?
Rubel opened up on his equation with Kohli.
Both of us go back a long way. I got Virat out a couple of times in our U-19 days. Then in international cricket too, I have got him a few times. I won't say he is a bunny but yes, I am confident against him," Rubel was quoted as saying according to a report in a leading daily.
“On the field he may be very aggressive but outside he is a very nice guy. We speak to each other. He, in fact, came to our dressing room after the quarterfinal and we chatted for a long time," he added.
Read: Aggressive cricketers like Virat Kohli make it big, says Rahul Dravid
No doubt, facing Kohli does bring out his A game.
He (Kohli) is actually very aggressive and in-your-face, so facing him also brings out the best in me. I get determined to not let him score. Before the World Cup, we had analysed he was struggling with balls outside the off-stump and that's how we got him," Rubel said.
Rubel is currently recovering from a calf-muscle injury at the Bangladesh Cricket Academy.
Check out: Asia Cup 2016 schedule
India would start their campaign in the Asia Cup T20 Championship by taking on hosts Bangladesh in the tournament-opener at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur on February 24.
