Mumbai: Bangladesh bowler Rubel Hossain came and spoke to India batsman Virat Kohli when he walked out in the middle at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday. No, it wasn’t a meeting of long lost companions. The story is far more intense. It could be sensed when Hossain – after dismissing the 26-year-old – jumped in celebrations and kept looking at the batsman after muttering few words.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrAm-11DHjs

The rivalry between these cricketers dates back to their Under-19 days.

When Kohli led the U-19 Indian team in 2008, Hossain represented Bangladesh in the same category. They were involved in a heated exchange during one of the group matches and things went out of control. Umpires and other players had to intervene to calm the situation.

Live, Ind vs Ban: Stiff target too much for Bangladesh; India 4 wickets away from semis

Since then, both have been on a one-on-one mode. Even in ICC World Cup 2011, Kohli was seen abusing Hossain in the inaugural match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwAHefqzVFU

He had slammed a ton in 2011 but this time, he did not retaliate and quietly walked back.

However, Hossain – who got the better of Kohli also in Asia Cup, 2014 – must have experienced a déjà vu of sorts in the quarterfinal.