Dhaka, Feb 2: Bangladesh's front line pacer Rubel Hossain has revealed his rivalry with India's flamboyant batsman Virat Kohli goes back to their U-19 cricket days.

Rubel Hossain and Virat Kohli were seen getting into pitched rivalry in last year's World Cup quarter-finals as well as during India's tour of Bangladesh in June last year.

In the ICC World Cup 2015 encounter, Virat Kohli chased a wide delivery from Bangladeshi pacer Rubel Hossain and edged it to wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim for just 3 runs off 4 balls. With his bowling Rubel Hossain kept Kohli silent with the bat, when it mattered the most for the Indians.

This wasn't the first time, when the Bangladesh pacer showed aggression against one of the world's best batsman. Hossain represented Bangladesh in Under-19 World Cup in 2008 when Kohli led the Indian side.

(Revealed! Virat Kohli's secret on aggressive streak, says 'it runs in the family')

Back then, the duo were involved in heated exchange during one of the group matches and the matter was calmed down only after the umpires intervened.

The pacer was quoted by a TOI report, as saying, "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."

Though he quickly proceeded to clear the air about their relationship by saying off-the field they have good relation.

"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 (2015 World Cup) quarterfinal and we chatted for a long time.

"I get a different feeling when I bowl against him. I will not allow him to hit me and want to take his wicket. Whenever I see him at the other end, it pumps me up since Under-19 days," the Bangladesh pacer further added.

OneIndia News