ICC World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli explains reason behind recent upsets as India face Bangladesh next

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Things have spiced up at the ICC World Cup 2023 as we witnessed two upsets in the space of three days. After Afghanistan stunned defending champions England, the Netherlands brought high-flying South Africa back on the ground with a 38-run win in Dharamshala on Tuesday (October 17).

Another shocker of a result could be possible on Wednesday when India will face Bangladesh in their fourth match of the pool stages in Pune. India are currently placed top of the group with three wins in three games but star cricketer Virat Kohli explains they can't get ahead of themselves as there's no such thing like 'big teams' in the ICC World Cup 2023.

"There are no big teams in the World Cup. Whenever you start focusing only on bigger teams, an upset happens," Virat Kohli told official broadcasters Star Sports a day before the Bangladesh match.

The 34-year-old batter further spoke of the quality of Bangladesh, who in the past have defeated India in the 2007 World Cup, while pointing out their captain Shakib Al-Hasan as a key weapon for the Bangla Tigers.

"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," said Virat Kohli.

Shakib Al-Hasan, who has dismissed the Indian batter five times, also spoke of the value of taking Virat Kohli's wicket as he feels the Indian batter is a special player and arguably the best in the modern era.

"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," said Shakib.

Catch all the action from the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 -India vs Bangladesh, October 19th 2023, from 12:30 pm onwards, LIVE & Exclusive on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar