Tamim Iqbal Fuels Competitive Rivalry Between Kohli and Mushfiqur in Chennai Test

During the ongoing Test match in Chennai, both Virat Kohli and Mushfiqur Rahim faced disappointing outcomes with the bat following their dismissals on day one and two, respectively. Kohli was caught behind for just 6 runs, edging a delivery from Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud. On the subsequent day, Mushfiqur Rahim was dismissed for a similarly low score, caught by KL Rahul at second slip off a ball from Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

As tensions simmered on the field, former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal hinted at a potential clash between the two prominent players. “Mushfiqur Rahim is batting, Virat Kohli is in the slips. Watch out now. Keep an eye on them. They have quite the history,” Tamim remarked, acknowledging a spirited rivalry between Rahim and Kohli. However, his comments were swiftly interjected by Ravi Shastri, who questioned, “What history?” Tamim dodged further inquiries, prompting commentator Harsha Bhogle to jest that “Mushfiqur has a bit of history with everyone.”

This lighthearted exchange alludes to the history between Bangladesh and India, who have had several emotionally charged encounters on the cricket field. Despite these tensions, significant incidents involving direct confrontations between Kohli and Mushfiqur have been uncommon.

Speaking to Star Sports previously, Mushfiqur revealed his strategies regarding Kohli’s on-field presence, noting Kohli’s propensity to engage in sledging. “Some batters in the world love sledging and get pumped up by that,” Rahim said. “Whenever I play against him, he always tries to sledge me every time I go in to bat because he is a really competitive guy, and he doesn’t want to lose any cricket match.”

As the match progresses, both Kohli and Mushfiqur have another chance to contribute more significantly in their second innings, with India in a domineering position. Having posted a significant total of 376, India maintained control, reducing Bangladesh to 112/8 by the tea break on the second day. The team leads by over 50 runs and intends to bat again, irrespective of enforcing a follow-on, to allow their bowlers rest from Chennai’s intense heat.